DOBEY INSPIRED BY BURN ENGLAND HEROICS

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CHRIS DOBEY admits he’s inspired by Dan Burn to achieve oche glory - and hopes the Newcastle star is picked to stop Erling Haaland.

The Bedlington ace couldn’t hide his pride that Toon hero Burn played his part in the epic win over Mexico at the Azteca.

Now Dobey, 36, wants the big Magpies defender to get the chance to shut out Norway’s on-form striker in the quarter-finals.

He revealed: “He’s a great lad and being a fellow Geordie from the North East.

“We see that week-in, week-out on the football pitch. It’s great that he’s getting a chance in the England squad so later on in his career.

“He deserved it and every game I’ve watched him play for England he’s been magnificent.

“I’m hoping he can start and to come up against Haaland and keep him out of the game.”

Dobey, who walks on to England theme ‘Hey Jude’, wasn’t surprised with Burns’ man-mountain display and especially the monster 60-yard header.

He laughed: “That was great wasn’t it. Honestly what he does on a pitch, he uses his head well as well.

“He scored a couple of memorable goals for Newcastle. Obviously the Cup final goal against Liverpool which I’ve now got gladly tattooed on my leg.

“His goal in the Champions League, it looked like it bent but what a player he is.

“I’m just hoping he gets another chance to show what he is capable of.”

The World No.13 admitted he had to try and balance watching England and preparing for the Players Championship in Leicester on Monday lunchtime.

He said: “I went to sleep before the Brazil game hoping that I’d wake up for the England game. I woke up 20 minutes into it and I saw the two England goals.

“Fell back asleep at half-time. Woke up as Harry Kane was celebrating his goal. I just went to sleep. I tried to stay focused and prepare for my match as well. I’ve got to be professional.”

Former Masters champ Dobey admits he is inspired by Burns and wants to grab his own sporting glory at the World Matchplay which starts on July 18.

He said: “I’m happy with my all-round game. It’s just a matter of time before I get that next win and fingers crossed it could be the big one in Blackpool.”

*Chris Dobey is playing in the BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix of Darts in Leicester on 28th September – 4th October. Learn more at BOYLESports.com 18+ Bet Responsibly.

Words by Phil Lanning.

Images by TAYLOR LANNING.