Teen darts sensation Luke Littler shares clip of himself imitating Raymond van Barneveld when he was just three – as he prepares to face Dutch legend in last 16 of World Championships

Luke Littler has posted a throwback video showing how much it means to him to face Raymond van Barneveld at the World Darts Championship.

16-year-old Littler, who has put in a remarkable performance at the tournament, discovered on Friday that he will face his hero Van Barneveld in the last 16 of the tournament, with the winner receiving £50,000.

Littler shared a video from when he was just three years old, imitating Van Barneveld's success at the 2007 World Championship.

Littler wrote on 13 years later I get to play the legend himself in the last 16 on the biggest stage of them all.

Van Barneveld reached the last 16 after beating Jim Williams 4-1 in the third round.

Littler became the youngest player ever to reach the last 16 when he defeated Matt Campbell.

In the video, Littler can be seen wearing an England football shirt with Gerrard 4 on the back as he throws darts while imitating Van Barneveld.

In 2007, Van Barneveld defeated Phil 'The Power' Taylor in the final to secure victory.

Van Barneveld said he has 'great respect' for Littler and can't wait to play against him.

He said: I enjoy that boy. Truly formidable. 'He's 16 years old. When I was 16, I still played with Playmobil.

“I have a lot of respect for that little guy and I can't wait to play against him.”

Littler defeated Christian Kist in the first round before defeating Andrew Gilding.

Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen have offered advice to Littler during his run to the last 16.

Littler told Sky Sports: 'I've spoken to him [Taylor] in the hotel and he and Michael van Gerwen said 'keep up the good work' and 'keep your mind focused'.

“That's all I've tried, staying sober.”