LUKE “The Nuke” Littler’s exploits have captured the imagination of people way beyond his hometown of Warrington.

Before exploding onto the darts scene last year, however, he was a home-and-away Warrington Wolves supporter – something he insists will continue as much as his increasingly hectic schedule allows and indeed he was back in the South Stand for Joe Philbin's Testimonial match against Leigh Leopards on Saturday.

And having invited him to meet the players in training, head coach Sam Burgess believes the teenage sensation can act as an inspiration to them.

Having swept all before him in the youth ranks, the former Padgate Academy pupil wowed the nation by making it all the way to the final of his first World Darts Championships before eventually being edged out by world number one Luke Humphries.

Since the turn of the year, the 17-year-old proved his run was not just a flash in the pan, winning his first televised PDC title by scooping the Bahrain Darts Masters before reaching the final of the Dutch Darts Masters the following week.

Littler made his Premier League Darts debut in Cardiff last week and having followed his recent journey, Burgess has been impressed.

Warrington Guardian: Teenage darts sensation Luke Littler was back in the South Stand cheering on Warrington Wolves against Leigh Leopards on SaturdayTeenage darts sensation Luke Littler was back in the South Stand cheering on Warrington Wolves against Leigh Leopards on Saturday (Image: Richard Walker)

“He came into training the other week – I might actually get him to do a few sessions, that would be good,” he joked.

“It's unbelievable what he’s done – he’s been a revelation. The boys love their darts and he’s really inspired the town.

“His world is going to be spinning for a bit but if we can support him in any way, it would be good.

“He’s got that belief in himself. He’s got no fear and he just attacks it, which is probably a good lesson for a lot of people.

“He doesn’t second-guess himself; he goes out and has a go and it’s put him in a good position.

“He’s out there having fun as it’s early in his career – I’m sure he’ll get challenged but if he keeps like this, he’ll be alright.”