McIlroy happy to be in USA's sights

Rory McIlroy says he is relishing the prospect of being the European player that America will be gunning for at this week's Ryder Cup. McIlroy, 25, may play all five sessions and the US are likely to feel early wins over the world number one would represent a psychological blow. "Any time the opposition starts to talk about you, that's a huge compliment," said the Northern Irishman. "I don't mind that at all. They can come at me." Last week American captain ToWatson revealed he will emphasise  to his players how significant victories over McIlroy would be in the visitors' bid to regain the Cup. And in his first press conference at Gleneagles on Monday, Watson added: "When you beat the stud on the other side [McIlroy] it gives a boost to your team." Given his status after back-to-back major wins in the summer, McIlroy accepts he has a big responsibility in Europe's team - but says he is comfortable with that role as he prepares for his third Ryder Cup. "It gives me a little bit of a boost to try and go out there and play well," added the Northern Irishman, who is the reigning Open and US PGA champion. McIlroy was one of the first European players to arrive at Gleneagles on Sunday, ahead of the first official team meeting on Monday evening.