Luke Littler responds to Jurgen Klopp comparing him to Liverpool’s Carabao Cup-winning youngsters…as the ‘new darts sensation’ and staunch Man United fan hails the talented Reds

Luke Littler says seeing Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp talk about him was just another day in his crazy life.

Klopp compared his young group of players, who helped win the Carabao Cup last week and then secured a place in the FA Cup quarter-final, to the 17-year-old, who described the German as the ‘new darts sensation’.

Littler, who advanced to the last 32 of the UK Open on Friday evening, entered the World Championship stage over Christmas.

His historic run to the final saw him transcend the sport and become a global star, so it was nothing special to see Klopp referencing him.

Littler, an avid Manchester United fan, said: “I watched the final and the young lads are doing well, but if he wants to compare them to me then he can.

Jurgen Klopp praised 18-year-old Jayden Danns after he scored twice to help Liverpool beat Southampton 3-0 in the FA Cup

His brace came after Lewis Koumas broke the first-half deadlock for Liverpool on his debut

‘I woke up and someone told me he was comparing me to his young boys, so I went online and watched the video.

‘I gave it a like and moved on to the next video. That was literally another day in my life.”

Littler is aiming for his first major title since joining the premier PDC Tour at the start of the year and starred in his opening match at Butlin’s in Minehead.

He averaged over 100 and produced over 100 finishes on four occasions, including a ‘Big Fish’, when he defeated James Wade 10–7.

With Michael van Gerwen’s surprise crash, Littler is now the favorite to win.

“I haven’t even thought about it yet, but I know if my game is there every game, I don’t understand why I can’t win it,” he said.

‘It doesn’t matter to me who I play against. It’s what I dreamed of, playing in front of thousands every week, I’m just doing it at ease.’

Three-time champion Van Gerwen was below par when he was eliminated at the first hurdle by Mensur Suljovic.

The Austrian has been in the doldrums in darts in recent years, but recorded a striking victory and defeated Van Gerwen, who appeared to have an elbow injury.

Suljovic said: ‘I beat Michael van Gerwen, the best player in the world. I feel good, I exercise every day, I am a different person.

‘I had a big problem with my family. I came back and trained every day, and I hope I can do well in the tournament.”

Andrew Gilding started the defense of his 2023 title with a 10-7 win over Josh Payne and plans to celebrate by eating a Pot Noodle.

‘Goldfinger’ was a surprise winner last year when he defeated Van Gerwen in a thrilling final and finished so late that he had nothing left to eat but the instant snack.

Littler is an avid Manchester United fan and has been able to meet the team since his newfound fame

The youngster is aiming for his first major title since joining the most important PDC Tour at the beginning of this year

“When I won it last year there were no takeaways open so I had to eat a Pot Noodle to celebrate,” he said. “So I actually brought some Pot Noodles and I’m having one tonight as a tradition.

‘I have chicken and mushrooms or beef and tomato. Maybe I’ll have beef and tomato with a little extra ketchup, I’ll bring my own.’

Former world champion Michael Smith said he couldn’t celebrate his 10-7 win over Josh Cullen in the same way because he had already eaten one for lunch.

“I had a Pot Noodle for lunch before I came here, so that’s out the window,” he said. ‘I have a standing order, I get a few sent every month.’

Gerwyn Price was beaten 10-9 by Martin Schindler, but there were wins for world number one Luke Humphries, Gary Anderson and Nathan Aspinall.