Ryder Cup: Don't target me, McIlroy tells Watson

Warns US captain against underestimating other Europe golfers

GLENEAGLES: Rory McIlroy warned US captain Tom Watson on Wednesday that he would be making a big mistake if he told his players to target himself and Ian Poulter at this weekend's Ryder Cup showdown at Gleneagles.

McIlroy is the world number one and the talisman of the European team that will aim to make it six wins out of the last seven encounters with the Americans.

Poulter is the Ryder Cup dervish who has an incredible 80% winning record in the event and who almost single-handedly turned the tide against the Americans at Medinah two years ago.

As such, the Northern Irishman and the Englishman would be prized scalps for any of the American players looking to dent European resolve and confidence.

Watson understands that, saying in reference to McIlroy and Poulter, "Certainly whenever you beat the stud on the opposing team, that gives your team a boost no question."

But McIlroy insisted that beating him or Poulter meant no more than beating any of the other players.

"I know Watson has been talking about targeting us two and whatever, but at the same time, it's only one-sixth of the team,” said McIlroy.

"There are 10 other world-class players that he has to worry about, as well, and they are just as capable of putting points on the board for Europe.

"They can try and target us all they want, but there are guys alongside us that can do just as good a job.”

McIlroy has been the outstanding golfer in the world this year, winning back-to-back major titles at the British Open and the PGA Championship, and he is back at the top of the world rankings.