Brendan Dolan is hoping he can put his inconsistent form behind him as he targets a long run at the PDC World Darts Championships at Alexandra Palace.

The Belcoo thrower has had an up and down year by his own admission, but he is confident he can put his troubles behind him for the season finale.

“I’m looking forward to it,” he admitted.

“I haven’t had a very consistent year. I have won one tournament, and it’s never bad to win a tournament, but I felt overall through the year my performances weren’t that great and I possibly have a few things to resolve.

“My throwing action is pretty good, but I think it is mostly mental [pressure to be aware of] because I am putting too much pressure on myself.

“It’s about taking the pressure out of my game. I have been working on that for the last week or so, and I will continue to work on that until I play.”

The draw has pitted 26th seed Dolan against the winner of the round one clash between Jamie Hughes and Jimmy Hendriks.

Dolan has come up against both players during the season and has come out on the wrong end of the scoreline on each occasion, but he believes he can turn that result around if he performs to his potential.

“The two lads that I could play have both beaten me this year, but I am still quite confident,” he revealed.

“On both occasions it was more down to my lack of performance rather than their good performance.

“I know if I turn up I am a strong favourite to win, no matter which of them I play.

“I know them, and I’m not going to be naive in thinking they can’t throw. I know they can – and they are both on the circuit – but it has to boil down to me, and only me.

“It’s about me getting it right, and if I can get it right on the day then it will take a massive performance from them to beat me.

“I need to turn up. It’s not about who I play, it’s about doing my job and working towards mentally taking the pressure off myself, and not thinking about side issues, or anything else that goes along with the occasion.”

Brendan Dolan starts his World Championship campaign on Friday, December 23, playing the first match of the afternoon session at the Alexandra Palace venue.