World number one Rory McIlroy believes that Europe "deserve" to be favourites to lift the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles following an impressive season.
The Northern Irishman heads into Friday's contest in Scotland having won back-to-back Majors at the British Open and US PGA Championship.
Team Europe, who are being captained by Paul McGinley, are favourites to retain the title having won five out of the last six tournaments against the USA.
"We should embrace being favourites," McIlroy said in this morning's press conference. "We deserve it, we've played well this year."
There has been much speculation that McIlroy will not be paired with fellow Irishman Graeme McDowell, but the duo have been put together for this morning's practice round.
