ROCK CALLS LITTLER A CONTROL FREAK

JOSH ROCK labelled Luke Littler a “CONTROL FREAK” at the oche.

‘Rocky’ has lost all four bouts against the teen sensation, although they have been close affairs bar the World Masters. 

World No.9 Rock could potentially battle Littler in the final on Night Three of the Premier League. 

Rock concedes his young rival is the benchmark on the big stage and has hailed him for taking the sport to new heights. 

He told talkSPORT: “There have been a couple of times I have let him off the hook, and you have to learn from those mistakes. 

“At the minute, Littler is the best player in the world and is a reigning two-time world champion. 

“I just think he is a control freak and a robot. He is better than anybody else at the minute. 

“It doesn’t bother me because he has made our sport what it is today. Kids are playing now and the prize money has gone up. 

“It is probably one of the most watched sports in the world right now. For what he has done, I have to take my hat off to him.” 

The Antrim ace makes his Scottish Premier League debut appearance against Luke Humphries at the OVO Hydro. 

Rangers-mad Rock, 24, is hoping that he can find the Gers spirit and be the adopted home hero to outgun former world champ Cool Hand. 

But Rangers-mad Rocky is also hoping that Celts fans are more bothered by their Europa League tie so he doesn’t get any stick! 

He revealed: “Luckily Celtic’s playing in the Europa League, so hopefully they’re all out and there’s all Rangers fans in!” 

On being the closest player to being a Scot in the event, he added: “I wouldn’t say it’ll add more pressure. I really hope they get behind me. What was it, two years since the last Scottish person was on it? Two or three years? I’m close to Scotland. 

“Literally a two-hour boat or a quick 10-minute flight over, so I would love it to happen, but obviously I don’t know what to expect from the crowd.” 

Rock, currently winless in the PL after two games, also spoke about being mates with Kris Boyd and their title chances.  

He added: “I’ve got Boydie’s number. He met me in the hotel with a coffee and just a wee chit-chat. 

“I obviously don’t look like a fanboy, if that makes sense. As much as I want to be, but I’m not, because we’re all in the same industry with being in the limelight, so I just take it with stride and enjoy having conversations with Boydie and stuff. 

“We all knew the problems from the start with Russell Martin. We all knew it, but you have to give these things a try. 

“So then Danny Rohl has done his magic since he’s come in. 

“Probably the most interesting league there has been in the last couple of years because obviously Rangers won it, Celtic won it.  

“Obviously Celtic won it the last few fears in a row, but it’s good to see Hearts up there battling for it as well. 

“Saying that, Motherwell are not far behind. Motherwell have had a fantastic season, so it’s going to be very, very, very nip and tuck between Rangers, Hearts and Celtic.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.