American confidence is

more responsibility and I relished the chance to be one of the leaders and speak up in the team room. I’m ready to do that again.”

He also has a close relationship with captain Darren Clarke, dating from their first meeting on McIlroy’s 10th birthday.

“My present was to play the Valley course at Royal Portrush, I’d also got a new wedge. It was my birthday and the day couldn’t get much better, then I met Darren.

“I was just in awe. He’d just won the WGC match play, was a top 10 player in the world and he was a hero. I was part of his foundation after that and got to know him really well.

“That day has always stuck with me. Now here we are, the biggest stage of the game, and I’m playing under him as Ryder Cup captain. I’m very much looking forward to that.”

TAKING A TUMBLE: The European team’s caddies found it difficult to stay on their feet as the players posed for