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McIlroy keen to continue Northern Ireland's streak

Rory McIlroy is the second favourite to win at St Andrews © Getty Images

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Rory McIlroy believes he can emulate his countryman Graeme McDowell and claim his first Major title at the Open Championship at St Andrews this weekend.

McIlroy is one of a number of Brits who have made a breakthrough on the PGA Tour this year, winning his maiden title at Quail Hollow just two days before his 21st birthday, and he believes he is close to now adding a championship trophy to his collection.

McDowell's victory at the US Open saw him become the first British player in 11 years to win a Major, and McIlroy believes he is capable of matching his friend and fellow Northern Irishman.

"To see him win that, it gave me a lot of confidence to know winning a Major wasn't as far away as I thought it was," McIlroy said. "I had viewed winning Majors as this sort of higher level, and it made me realise it wasn't.

"It feels like the right time to win one of these big events I have played well here in the past and if I don't let the pressure get the better of me, there is no reason why I shouldn't be able to again. You just needed to play well in the right week and have a few things go your way."

McIlroy comes into the event as the second favourite behind three-time Open champion Tiger Woods, but far from worrying about the pressure, the world No. 9 is confident he can live up to expectation.

"I knew I'd come in here as hopefully one of the favourites, but it doesn't put any pressure on me because I know if I got out and play this golf course the way that I know I can," he said. "I should have a good chance."

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