CLAYTON FIRED UP TO PROVE DOUBTERS WRONG

JONNY CLAYTON is motivated by being an UNDERDOG in this year’s Premier League.

‘The Ferret’ has a brilliant record in the major tournament winning in 2021 and reaching the semi-final in his further two appearances.

But the Welshman is a huge outsider with bookmakers to triumph in the PDC Premier event this campaign.

Clayton revealed he is hugely motivated to prove the doubters wrong and let his darts do the talking.

He said: “I’ve moaned enough about not being in it, so I’m back with a smile on my face and I’ve got some proving to do that I should be in it.

“If you talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk. I’ve said that I should have been in it, now I need to prove why I should be in it.

“I’m looking forward to this. I’m really ready for this.

“It motivates me alright because people don’t rate me, obviously they rate the others more. Let’s see on finals night.”

World No.5 Clayton begins his campaign against debutant Josh Rock in Newcastle on Thursday evening.

Clayton, 51, was jokingly dubbed the “old boy” by Rock, who added he hoped the veteran would be “a bit rusty” when they met.

He added: “Cheeky git! To be fair, he’s a good lad, he’s full of fun, he’s confident and he’s a great player.

“He’s bouncing, he’s ready to go. But I’ve had the experience so hopefully a little bit of experience will help me through.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.