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McIlroy has backed Clarke to be Europe's captain in 2016. David J. Phillip

Clarke 'the perfect man' for Ryder Cup captaincy, says McIlroy

The 46-year-old is among the favourites to succeed Paul McGinley as captain of Europe

RORY MCILROY HAS reiterated his belief that Darren Clarke should lead Europe’s bid to retain the Ryder Cup at Hazeltine in 2016.

Clarke is among the favourites to succeed Paul McGinley as captain of Europe, who made it three Ryder Cup triumphs in a row with a convincing victory at Gleneagles last week.

McIlroy would love to see his fellow Ulsterman, who has enjoyed success as a player in the United States, appointed and also heaped further praise on McGinley.

“Obviously, there’s been a few names being thrown about. I’ve said with a Ryder Cup being in America, I feel that Darren Clarke would be the perfect man to lead the team there,” said McIlroy.

“He’s got a great reputation everywhere, but especially in the States. The fans really love him there and he’s got a good rapport with everyone.

“I think he would be the right man to do it next time at Hazeltine.”

Highlighting the positive atmosphere fostered by McGinley at Gleneagles, McIlroy — who claimed three points from five matches — added: “Of all the Ryder Cups, this one was the one I enjoyed the most, the one that I embraced the most, and the one where I played some of my best golf on Saturday and Sunday.

“It was really enjoyable and Paul McGinley did a great job with the team and got a great team spirit in the team room and. We showed that on the golf course.”

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    Mute mogsy
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    Apr 23rd 2015, 10:33 PM

    Up the rebel’s

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    Mute Dave Murray
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    Apr 24th 2015, 10:50 PM

    Two teams who play good football, should be a good game and hopefully a Dublin win.

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    Mute James Dolan
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    Apr 25th 2015, 2:08 AM

    As a Kerryman…I look forward to this game.

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    Mute Shane O'Donnell
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    Apr 25th 2015, 6:39 AM

    Should be a cracker alright

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    Mute Suas Síos
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    Apr 25th 2015, 2:25 PM

    Always baffle by these things.

    What’s the difference between looking forward to a game & looking forward to a game as a Kerry man?

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    Mute James Dolan
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    Apr 25th 2015, 2:51 PM

    Who are our two main rivals in history….?

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    Mute Frainc Ó Broin
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    Apr 25th 2015, 8:13 AM

    Out of interest, why are subs never mentioned for Dublin?

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    Mute Aideen Thornton
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    Apr 25th 2015, 8:31 AM

    They’re never released. They’ll be seen for the 1st time in the match programme.

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    Mute Shane O'Donnell
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    Apr 25th 2015, 8:36 AM

    A match program which is all over twitter

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    Mute Aideen Thornton
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    Apr 25th 2015, 8:51 AM

    Haven’t seen it. Who are the subs then? Dubmatchtracker doesn’t even have them.

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    Mute Darragh Brennan
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    Apr 25th 2015, 10:04 AM

    Subs. Currie, Andrews, Brady, David Byrne, Costello, Daly, Devereux, Fitzsimons, Emmet, Philly Ryan and small. No McAuley(yet)

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    Mute Mark Nolan
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    Apr 25th 2015, 12:17 PM

    McAuley injured. Saw a FB post from the Galway challenge game, said himself he was injured

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