Rory McIlroy in the hunt at Quail Hollow

US Open champion Rory McIlroy carded a 66 that included eight birdies to surge up the leaderboard ahead of the final day at the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow.

The 23-year-old, who won the event with a memorable closing 62 in 2010, is two shots off the lead held by American Webb Simpson.

"Good day on the course today! Could have been a couple better but have a great chance tomorrow to get my 2nd win at Quail Hollow! #bringiton," tweeted the Northern Irishman.

McIlroy can regain the world number one spot from Englishman Luke Donald, who is absent from this weekend's tournament, if he finishes in the top seven in North Carolina.