PROFESSIONAL darts star Henry O'Neill is hoping 2006 will be his year after a thyroid problem almost ended his burgeoning career.

Last February he was diagnosed with an over-active thyroid, which hampered his dart throwing.

Before his illness, the Leonard Stanley arrowsman held a promising world ranking of 33.

"I had shakes in my throwing hand-I couldn't control a dart," revealed O'Neill.

With his career in the balance the Leonard Stanley arrowsman opted for radio active iodine treatment.

In November, he was discharged from hospital, but now has to have blood tests every few months to checkhis thyroid output.

He added: "Everything seems fine now and I hope I can put all my problems behind me."

Despite his problems O'Neill managed to qualify for the Budweiser UK Open Finals at the Reebok Stadium, Bolton, last June, but unfortunately had to withdraw.

However, he returned to the PDC circuit last October, and has steadily been picking up points. Last month O'Neill gained four ranking points in Gibraltar despite losing to darts star Peter Manley.

THE county darts squad for the away games in Shropshire on February 11-12.

Ladies: Colleen Northcutt, Christine Marsh, Tracy Bishop, Wendy Booth, Irene Kendrick, Louise Palmer, Lin Blackwell, Dee Norman, Claire Armitage, Sharon McNulty, Brenda Hales, Karen Brown, Cath Brennan and Maggie Little.

Men's : Mark Chiswell, Dene Baldwin, Shaun Hughes, Andy Sim, Keith Lawrence, Steve Wright, Brian Simms, Mark Turley, Chris Whiting, Tony Loveridge, Brian Dickson, Malcolm Shill, Mark Workman, Ian Higgs, Martin Rochford, Keith Weaver, Russ Kitchener, John Fairley, Brian Coole, Martin Smith, Paul Allen, Mark Blandford, Simon Delaney, Chris Jackson, Chris Hiam, Paul Meyer and Peter Smith.