McGinley not concerned over McIlroy-McDowell relationship ahead of Ryder Cup

Europe Ryder Cup team captain Paul McGinley is reportedly not concerned over the relationship between Northern Irish golfers Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell ahead of the Ryder Cup.

The pair have played together six times in the last two contests but are both involved in a court case with McIlroy's former management company. But McGinley says there are no issues ahead of the event at Gleneagles.

McGinley said that it is not a concern, adding that it has been going for a year and both have had very strong years, The BBC reported.

McGinley said that he would be very surprised if McIlroy and McDowell don't play together, although he is not going to write it in stone.

McIlroy's legal battle with Horizon Sports Management also involves the business affairs of McDowell and the judge hearing the case said on Tuesday that it features such sensitive matters that the sides should engage in mediation.

McDowell has been represented by Horizon since 2007 but recently announced he would leave the company by the end of the year. Last year McIlroy denied a rift with 35-year-old McDowell shortly before he announced his departure from Horizon and claimed the pair remains great friends.

McGinley believes the matter has not affected the form of either player, and has been promised the issue will not impact upon their preparations for the Ryder Cup, which begins on 26 September.

McGinley added that McIlroy has had arguably his best year ever and McDowell won the French Open. He said that it has not affected their performance and both of them have assured him that it's not going to affect anything in the team room.