THREE TOWNS Darts ace Robert Thornton is battling back to full fitness after two recent health scares.

The Thorn, who recently picked up the World Grand Prix title, was knocked out in the second round of the World Series of Darts at the weekend as he revealed he was awaiting surgery on his heel due to a damaged bone.

Thornton, who has featured heavily in many of the big competitions over the past few years just made the World Series after being released

from Crosshouse Hospital following treatment for a lung infection.

He said last week in an interview that he hoped his health woes would help him in his quest for further glory on the oche.

Robert revealed: “I took a lung infection. My windpipe was letting oxygen in but not a lot out.

“It was closing at the wrong times and I was on nebulisers.

“They put me in a ward but then said they couldn’t keep a close enough eye on me in there, so they put me in the high dependency unit.”

“Still, maybe it helps. At the World Championships a few years ago I had flu and a virus, was nearly sick on stage, yet threw a 107 average.”

He will be travelling down to Minehead this weekend for the Player’s Championships but is hoping that his heel won’t hamper his chances.

He added: “When I’m on it, it packs in on me. I’m trying to keep up practice but am maybe doing slightly less.”

He explained that it hasn’t been finalised what is wrong with his heel but hopes to get specialist treatment as soon as possible with the World Championships fast approaching.