Gary Anderson is predicting big things for the next generation of darts superstars.

The 53-year-old was coming off a big win at the World Grand Prix when he made a few bold predictions about what’s to come for the sport.

Anderson is expecting the world of darts to be turned on its head soonGetty

The theme of darts for the past year has been youth, with Luke Littler stunning the sport with his run to the PDC World Championship final at the age of just 16.

The headline-making tournament wasn’t flash in the pan either, with Littler keeping things up, winning the Premier League and World Series Finals in 2024.

There could be some fears – from some – that Littler may well end up dominating the sport in years to come, but Anderson has other ideas.

Speaking in a rare media scrum, the Scottish arrows star said: “Months ago I played with a young German lad who was nine years old and just as good as Littler.

“He counted just as well and didn’t speak a word of English, but by god this boy was something else.

“You shouldn’t be playing darts like that at nine years old, maybe 29 but not nine. They’re everywhere now.”

Asked if that’s thanks to Littler, Anderson added: “He’s definitely kicked on a younger generation, by the time those boys are on stage I’ll be well gone. 

“It can only get better, to what heights? I don’t know. Will darts be as good as it was in 2014, 15, 16? That will take some beating even with the talents on the go now.”

Anderson isn’t expecting it to be a long wait before the sport is tipped on its head either, saying that darts’ status quo can expect to be challenged very soon indeed.

“Over the last six months I’ve noticed a lot of players coming through,” he said. 

“There’are boys sitting right on the tail end of them [the top ranked players] and if they don’t sharpen up they’re in big trouble.

“But I don’t care, because I’m that far down the rankings it doesn’t matter!”