Scottish Open: Rory McIlroy seven off pace after 68

Rory McIlroy's run of poor Friday performances after excellent opening rounds continues to be a mystery

Rory McIlroy recovered some ground with a three-under-par 68 in Saturday's third round at the Scottish Open.

The Northern Irishman had followed Thursday's course record 64 with a disastrous seven-over 78 on Friday.

McIlroy is sharing 13th place going into Sunday's final round, seven behind leaders Justin Rose and Marc Warren.

Darren Clarke is on one under after a 70 with Gareth Maybin level par after his 69 and Michael Hoey on one over after a 74 at Royal Aberdeen.

Shane Lowry is the leading Irishman on five under after carding a 68 on Saturday which moved him up to a share of seventh place.

McIlroy dropped a shot after three-putting the first on Saturday, but recorded three birdies before the turn and picked up another shot at the 16th.

"I didn't get off to a great start, being one over through two holes when you are looking to be one under, but after that I played very solidly and did not put myself in too much trouble," McIlroy said.

"I have shot 64 and 68 on this course which are two really good scores.

"Yesterday was just one of those days when nothing went right and I could not get any momentum.

"It would be good to shoot another good round tomorrow, but I have seen enough in my game to give me confidence going into the Open."

Ireland's three-time major winner Padraig Harrington stayed on one over par after a 71 while Damien McGrane slipped to four over by carding a 74 with Kevin Phelan on five over after a disappointing 76.

Last year's US Open champion Rose moved to the head of affairs on 10 under after a superb 66 while home player Warren showed impressive resolve as he fired a 67.

The British duo are a stroke ahead of Sweden's Kristoffer Broberg while England's Tyrrell Hatton is in fourth place on seven under.

Argentina's Ricardo Gonzalez, joint-leader overnight along with Warren, remained on six under along with another Scot Craig Lee after a 71 while Pablo Larrazabal and Irish Open champion Mikko Ilonen are sharing seventh place with Lowry on five under.