FORMER world junior champion Michael Smith would be the first to admit that he got himself into a bit of a hole form wise in November – but nevertheless the St Helens darter has the talent to dig himself out of that.

Smith had enjoyed a relatively good 2014, reaching and losing four finals early on in the year before winning a fifth one.

But after some impressive performances a disastrous display against Phil Taylor in Wolverhampton saw the 24-year-old flounder in the Grand Slam.

But that is all history now for Smith – and he has his eyes firmly fixed on Monday’s opening round clash with Mensur Suljovic.

He said: “The big one starts in a couple of days and that’s what you work hard all year for.

“Reaching finals has been a good achievement this year but when you lose them it can start getting on top of you so finally winning my first major was a massive boost for me.

“I have beaten the big characters all year – Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor, Gary Anderson and Barney.

“They are all the top boys so I can’t see why I can’t do it in the World Championships.”

Smith, who toppled Taylor in last year’s round two at Ally Pally, has a tricky opener against the Serbian Suljovic, but goes into it prepared and confident of making progress.

Smith said: “He is a decent player so I have got to be on top form to beat him.

“He has a weird action but it seems to work for him. But if I turn up on the day I can beat anyone – I have got the game to become World Champion, it is just about doing it.”

Although there is a potential meeting with fellow St Helens man Stephen Bunting on the cards in round three should both progress, Smith’s focus is on the opener.

“Everyone looks forward at the draw – but you have to look at it once and forget about it then take it one game at a time,” he said.

“I will prepare for it the same as I always do with three to five hours practice and not change too much.

“The good thing is that I get get Christmas at home.

“Last year I played Taylor in round two on December 23 and I thought I’d have a bad Christmas here – but I beat him and it was great. Hopefully I will have one as good as that this year!”

His recent Grand Slam duel with ‘The Power’ was less good - and one he has put his finger on.

“I tried too hard to beat Taylor – I tried to speed my game up – ended up jumping two games forward instead of taking it a game at a time.

“In snooker when it is going badly you can stay sat down and watch the other fella clean up, but in darts you have got to keep getting up there,” he said.

But that is history now - and Smith is determined that he can get back on the horse and fulfil his rich promise on the sport’s biggest stage.

And if he does that, he has the capability of showing the world that last year’s success against Taylor was not some flash in the pan.