The Chatteris cueman finished the season in red-hot form, following up a surge to the semi-finals of the 888.com World Championship at the Crucible by qualifying for the big Premier League competition.

Perry's performances during the past year - one he rates as the best of his career yet - have earned a place in the top 16 of the world rankings and he is determined to ensure his recent triumphs are just the start of a rise to the top.

Perry, now ranked 12, said: "I have always been able to hold my own against the top guns in practice and the same is now happening in the tournaments as well.

"Last season has to rank as the best of my career so far. I was performing consistently throughout the year and then I managed to cap it off nicely with the semi-final at Sheffield and the Premier League success.

"To get to the world semi fulfilled one of my big ambitions of being able to sample the one-table set-up at the Crucible and that was a wonderful experience."

Perry is adamant he will only take the positives from the bitter-sweet experience of a best-ever performance in the sport's blue riband tournament.

He shone on snooker's biggest stage in Sheffield before agonisingly missing out on a place in the final when losing a last frame decider against Ali Carter.

Now the 33 year-old is determined to ensure he does not become a one hit wonder in terms of World Championship performances.

Perry added: "At the time I was obviously gutted to lose against Ali, just as I am when I lose any match. But I am determined to only take the positives from the World Championship.

"I didn't let myself down by any means and I am very heartened by the fact that I don't feel I over-achieved throughout the tournament.

"My performance has given me great belief for the future and hopefully I won't just be remembered for making one world semi-final.

"The season has ended at the worst possible time for me and I can't wait for it all to get going again."

And Perry's purple patch didn't end at the Crucible. He was in just as smart form when overcaming a host of star names on his way to glory in the Championship League (the Premier League qualifying event) - a triumph he rates as the biggest of his career so far.

Perry won only one of his six qualifying matches but that and three draws was still enough to progress to the latter stages where he really hit form.

He breezed past Ryan Day 3-1 in the semi-finals before defeating Mark Selby by the same scoreline in the final to collect the £10,000 prize and a place in the Premier League, which has an elite seven-man field.

Perry added: "I have watched the Premier League a lot but never thought I would get the chance to play in it.

"To make it is beyond my wildest dreams and definitely ranks as my best achievement in the sport.

"The Premier League is something different to what I play in week in, week out.