LUKE ‘The Nuke’ Littler can continue dreaming and his rivals can carry on fearing.

The Warrington 16-year-old, who has come through the ranks at the St Helens Darts Academy, is through to the last 16 of the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship after smashing his way past Canadian number one Matt Campbell 4-1 at Alexandra Palace.

In the end, Campbell could only stand back, watch and admire along with everybody else inside a raucous Ally Pally as Littler - who is being cheered on back at home by members of the St Helens darts venue that is becoming known as the country's hottest production line of talent - became the youngest player to reach the fourth round.

St Helens Star: Luke Littler is applauded by his opponent Matt CampbellLuke Littler is applauded by his opponent Matt Campbell (Image: PA Wire)

Nobody will want to play the teenager right now, but it will be the winner of Friday afternoon’s clash between Raymond van Barneveld and Jim Williams up next.

Facing one of his heroes, Barny, is what the former Padgate Academy student was dreaming about when he was at home for Christmas and 'every day' watching highlights of his fairytale debut tournament so far - no doubt in between spending hours on his Xbox.

Reflecting must have helped the PDC World Youth Champion continue the momentum of his wins against Christian Kist and UK Open champion Andrew Gilding in the opening rounds because Littler set off like a house on fire in the opening match of Friday night’s session.

Or perhaps the kebab he has become famous for eating when celebrating each success has added to helping give him the store of energy he calls upon with his exceptional bursts of fast throwing.

More likely all the lessons he has learned since first picking up darts aged 18 months are paying dividends for him now.

He was two sets in front before Campbell got out of the traps, averaging 112.73 to make it 2-0, then dug himself out of a hole in the third set and was only the bull away from whitewashing the man who had knocked out 18th seed James Wade in the previous round.

St Helens Star: Luke Littler on his way to a glorious victory against Matt Campbell in round threeLuke Littler on his way to a glorious victory against Matt Campbell in round three (Image: PA Wire)

But after conceding that fourth set Littler responded brilliantly to march on in style, ending the match with a 97 average and twenty tournament 180s so far.

The St Helens Darts Academy product played with the composure of an Ally Pally veteran and the freedom of a first-timer with nothing to lose, both making him a real danger to all-comers.

Littler, who went into the contest saying he had already overachieved but lofted to the event's fifth favourite by bookmakers, told Sky Sports: “It’s unbelievable. I only wanted to win one game and I’ve won three, and I’ve battled through it. I’m so happy.

“Everyone on social media says I’m this age, I’m that – I’m 16, but I let my darts do the talking.

“As soon as I won that first game against Christian Kist I’ve just settled. When I went 2-0 up against Matt I tried to calm myself down because last time it didn’t go too well but I kept my composure and I’ve got over the line.”

He rattled through the first set in double quick time, breaking Campbell twice to win all three legs as his rival struggled on the doubles.

Littler never gave his opponent a look-in as he took the second set, with rattling in a 130 checkout against the throw in the second leg being a particular highlight.

Then Littler showed he can grind as well as blow away.

The third set was a battle as he came from two legs down to steal it – which must have been gut wrenching for Campbell.

St Helens Star: Luke Littler reaction during his match against Matt Campbell on day 10 of the Paddy Power PDC World Darts ChampionshipLuke Littler reaction during his match against Matt Campbell on day 10 of the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship (Image: PA Wire)

But credit the Canadian as he showed his steel.

Littler was one dart at the bull away from winning the fourth set, but when he pinged the outer ring Campbell made him pay on his next visit with a 120 checkout to pull a set back.

If the Ally Pally crowd and millions watching worldwide on television were wondering how Littler would handle the pressure, he answered them big time.

The seventh of his eight 180s in the match was only bettered by his 164 checkout with treble 19 twice and the bull to take the first leg.

It seemed inevitable from there and a 100 checkout for the third leg against the throw left the boy wonder one leg away from the match for the second time.

He wobbled on double 20 but when Campbell missed double 16 Littler returned to seal another glorious victory in this incredible adventure.

St Helens Star: All smiles at the endAll smiles at the end (Image: PA Wire)