"Delighted to get the opportunity to play in a World Cup again" - Mickey Mansell makes reference to his youth ahead of making World Cup return

Mickey Mansell is making his return to the World Cup of Darts for the first time in over a decade. He will partner up with fellow Republic of Ireland darter William O'Connor as the duo look to conjure up a deep run in Frankfurt.

He first competed for his in 2012, but for Northern Ireland. He reached the quarter-final stage alongside Brandan Dolan before suffering an early exit the following year. Their best result came in 2014 when they reached the semi-finals, losing 2-1 to the Netherlands.

Another quarter-final followed in 2015 which was Mansell's final venture in this prestigious tournament. He then fell down the order with Daryl Gurney forming a very solid partnership with Dolan. Josh Rock's emergence has made it even tougher to get into the team, with Rock and Gurney going on to win the major event last time out.

Back in 2022, Mansell made the decision to switch allegiances to the Republic of Ireland. Still with no luck, he has finally got above fellow countryman Keane Barry and cemented his spot in the team alongside the ever-present O'Connor.

It will be a special moment for Mansell who is making his way back to the big time. He referred to a moment when he was younger.

"In 1994 I went to the World Cup in America going to Irelands 1st 3 group games. A fantastic experience PDC asked did I want to represent Ireland? 'Yes'. Delighted to get the opportunity to play in a World Cup again and now with Willie representing Ireland," he wrote on X.

Republic of Ireland will fancy their chances of a deep run in the tournament. Mansell is always a tricky player to come up against thanks to his lethargic and cumbersome manner on stage. He takes all the time needed to wander to the oche before throwing his dart.

2024 champion Michael Smith has been very vocal over the Irish darter, labelling him as a 'horrible player.' Alongside the solid O'Connor, Republic of Ireland will look to challenge the best. England will be the overwhelming favourites once more with Luke Littler and Luke Humphries set to team up once more.

Scotland, Netherlands, Wales and the reigning champions Northern Ireland will all fancy their chances in Germany with the World Cup of Darts set to commence from June 11-14.