Rory McIlroy plays down own importance

European Ryder Cup player Rory McIlroy has played down his own importance at this weekend's biennial competition against the United States.

McIlroy, 23, is the only man in Team Europe to have won multiple majors and he has already been singled out as the one European to stop following a blistering end to the PGA Tour, which saw him win three out of five tournaments.

The Northern Irishman was, however, keen to repel any focus on himself, telling reporters: "This week I'm not the number one player in the world, I'm one player in a 12-man team.

"There are 12 guys all striving towards the same goal, I'm just part of that."

McIlroy is expected to partner fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell in the foursomes and fourballs on Friday.