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Rory McIlroy: 'Europe deserve to be Ryder Cup favourites'

Rory McIlroy believes that Europe should "embrace" being the favourites to win the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles this week.

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.

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Danielle Joynson
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Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland ponders a shot during the first round of the World Golf Championships - Accenture Match Play Championship at The Golf Club at Dove Mountain on February 19, 2014
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