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Poults feels for Padraig after 'horrible' criticism

Padraig Harrington was controversially picked ahead of Paul Casey for the Ryder Cup © Getty Images

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• Profile: Padraig Harrington | Ian Poulter

Ian Poulter has revealed that he has "every sympathy" for controversial Ryder Cup pick Padraig Harrington, having been the subject of "absolutely horrible" criticism when European captain Nick Faldo handed him a wildcard in 2008.

This year's skipper Colin Montgomerie surprisingly picked Harrington, who is without a win in two years, ahead of world No. 7 Paul Casey - a choice that Poulter admits will pile "intense pressure" onto Harrington's shoulders when the Ryder Cup begins in October.

But Poulter is backing Harrington to follow his lead - the Englishman was one of the stars of Europe's losing effort in 2008 - by proving the critics wrong with an inspirational showing at Celtic Manor.

"It was absolutely horrible [the criticism received] and I have every sympathy for Padraig," Poulter told the Daily Mail. "It is supposed to be a fun period leading up to the match and it turned out to be one of the most stressful periods of my career.

"The level of abuse was such it got to the stage where I couldn't read any texts or papers or switch on the computer. For me, it completely ruined the build-up to the event.

"Padraig would be the first to admit he hasn't performed well over the past 18 months and there is no question he is going to feel under enormous pressure to justify his pick over other players who are arguably in better form.

"But against that, he's had a few weeks off and so hopefully he will be ready to go. As we all know, and I certainly do after what happened at The Open in 2008, there have been times when Padraig has been under equally immense pressure and he has performed very well."

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