ROBERT THORNTON will return to action in the Betway Premier League on Thursday when he takes on Raymond van Barneveld as the tournament visits Dublin's 3Arena.
The Scottish star missed Night Two of the new season in Newcastle a week ago after being sidelined with a chest infection, and he was also forced to withdraw from the weekend's Dutch Darts Masters.
However, Thornton has recovered and will be bidding to kick-start his Premier League season in Dublin against 2014 champion van Barneveld.
Thornton had lost out 7-0 on the opening night of the season against Dave Chisnall, but said: "I'm looking forward to getting back out there and in some ways it's like a new start to the season for me.
"I've put the game against Dave out of my mind and it's a new game against Raymond on Thursday. If I can get the win then it will set me up nicely to kick on from here."
Thornton added: "It will be special going back to Dublin for the first time since I won the World Grand Prix last October and it's a city which has some great memories for me."
Thornton will make up his game in hand on Night Eight in Liverpool, when he will take on Michael Smith - in the match originally scheduled for Newcastle - before facing Michael van Gerwen.
Betway Premier League
Night Three - February 18
3Arena, Dublin
Peter Wright v James Wade
Dave Chisnall v Michael Smith
Phil Taylor v Gary Anderson
Michael van Gerwen v Adrian Lewis
Robert Thornton v Raymond van Barneveld