BOLTON'S Craig Steadman says it will be an honour to face Ronnie O'Sullivan at the World Snooker Championships tomorrow, and revealed he did not find out he had drawn the game's biggest star first hand.

Steadman, aged 32, makes his debut in the finals at the Crucible, Sheffield, having narrowly failed to qualify in previous years.

The Farnworth ace came through three qualifying rounds to give himself a shot at the £300,000 prize, beating Scotland's Rhys Clark 10-5 , Indian Open champion Michael White 10-5, and Jamie Burnett 10-6 en route to the televised finals.

He said: "It's a brilliant feeling. It's what every player sets out to achieve when they go pro.

"I played really well against Michael and then I didn't play my best snooker against Jamie Burnett but I got the job done.

"For me, to play the world's number one at the world's best tournament is an honour, there is no other word for it.

"If you can't get up for the World Championships and playing at the Crucible then there is something wrong with you."

Steadman, who has been a professional for 14 years, did not get to see his name pulled out in the draw, but found out from a friend.

"I didn't know. The link to watch the draw didn't work and when it was up and running my name had already come out. I found out when someone text me saying 'You've got Ronnie'.

"I was disappointed not to see it but I thought whoever I play I play."

"There may be added pressure but I've just got to take a step back from it and enjoy the atmosphere.

"As Steve Davis said, it feels like winning a tournament just to get there so I'm very happy with what I've achieved so far.

"I'm determined to enjoy myself."