McIlroy: 'Clarke should be 2016 Ryder Cup captain'

World number one Rory McIlroy believes that fellow Northern Irishman Darren Clarke would be an ideal choice for European captain at the 2016 Ryder Cup.

Hazeltine in Minnesota will host the event in 2016, and McIlroy thinks that former Open champion Clarke would be suited to leading the team on American soil.

"There would be no better candidate from the European side," McIlroy told BBC Sport.

"He is absolutely loved over there. He would be just as well received in the United States as probably the United States captain.

"So, it can only be an advantage for the European team if Darren was to lead us out."

This year's Ryder Cup, which is being held at Gleneagles, begins on Friday.