"I was the most nervous I have been in a very long time" – Josh Rock was a bag of nerves in making Premier League debut

Josh Rock has admitted that nerves got the better of him during his debut in the Premier League Darts. The Northern Irishman went down 6-2 to Jonny Clayton on opening night, but spoke candidly afterward about the impact of the occasion.

The 24-year-old from Antrim made his first appearance in the prestigious travelling tournament in Newcastle. The combination of the stage, the crowd, and the expectations hit him all at once. "We have another 15 weeks to go. I enjoyed every single minute of it, hearing all the fans cheering when my name was being called,” Rock told Oche.

Still, he admitted the nerves were unlike anything he had felt in a long time. “It was a dream come true to be in the Premier League. I was the most nervous I have been in a very long time."

Rock averaged 102 and did not play a bad match, but had to acknowledge Clayton was the better man. “I still played well, averaging 102, and lost. Jonny played well and I still lost. It was a fantastic game and it was incredible just to be there at Newcastle."

According to Rock, the pressure played a part. “There was a little bit of pressure. I felt it a bit because it was my debut.” However, he expects the tension to ease at his next outing. “I think in Antwerp I will be fine because I have got the monkey off my back and I have done it."

Rock also stressed that he consciously chose to switch equipment, a move he believes will accelerate his career. “I knew when I was going to switch to Target that my fortunes were going to change. I also have everything behind the scenes covered. I am pushing to where I know I can get to, and I want to win those individual major titles.”

The world number nine started the year strongly with a quarter-final at the Winmau World Masters, where he was knocked out by Luke Littler. His ambitions, however, go beyond isolated results.

Rock also made an appearance recently at an event in Edmiston House, where he performed alongside Rob Cross for the Rangers Charity Foundation. As a Rangers fan, he dreams of a special moment.

“Me being a big Rangers fan, it is a dream come true to play here. Obviously, I am very happy they have asked us to do an exhibition here. As a young boy knowing all about Rangers. If I win that World title, I think I will be walking around Ibrox with it.”

Rock is also looking ahead to the World Cup of Darts. Together with Daryl Gurney, he will defend Northern Ireland’s title. “It’s going to be great for me and Daryl to go in as the defending champions. Hopefully we get two stars on that shirt this year. It would be nice for us.”

Rock is back in action in the Premier League on Thursday. In Antwerp he faces Michael van Gerwen on Night 2. Another chance to show that the debut is behind him.