McIlroy relishing prospect of being European player that America will gun for at Ryder Cup

World number one Rory McIlroy has said that he is relishing the prospect of being the European player that

America would be gunning for at this week's Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

McIlroy might play all five sessions and the US Ryder Cup team is likely to feel early wins over the Northern Irish golf ace would

represent a psychological blow. He said that any time the opposition starts to talk about a player it is a huge compliment.

McIlroy said that he does not mind that at all and the Americans can come at him. Last week American captain Tom Watson had

revealed that he would emphasise to his players how significant victories over McIlroy would be in the visitors' bid to regain the

Cup, The BBC reported.

And after arriving at Gleneagles on Monday, Watson added that when one beats the stud on the other side, which is McIlroy, it gives

a boost to one's team.

Given his status after back-to-back major wins in the summer, McIlroy accepts to have a big responsibility in Europe's team, but

insisted that he is comfortable with that role as he prepares for his third Ryder Cup.

The reigning Open and US PGA champion added that it gives him a little of a boost to try and go out there and play well.