Ryder Cup: Rory McIlroy feels greater responsibility for Europe

Rory McIlroy accepts he has greater responsibility in Europe's Ryder Cup team but says he is relishing his role.

The Northern Irishman, 25, is world number one after winning back-to-back majors earlier this year.

McIlroy said he had no qualms about being a target for the United States in the match at Gleneagles next week.

"I was world number one in 2012, but this is my third Ryder Cup and I'm not a rookie anymore. I've got more responsibility," he told BBC Sport.

"There are still a few guys older than me but I'm somewhat of a leader and will try to set an example and lead from the front.

"Hopefully captain [Paul] McGinley puts that trust in me and I can go and lead the team out and hopefully get a few points on the board for Europe."

McIlroy has played with fellow Northern Irishman Graeme McDowell six times in the last two contests but are currently involved in a court case with McIlroy's former management company.

McGinley insists he has no concerns about putting them together again, and McIlroy says he wants to play with McDowell.

He added: "I'd like to tee it up with Graeme. We've done well in the past. [The 2012 captain] Jose Maria [Olazabal] decided to split it up at the end in 2012 and I played with Ian Poulter.

"I get on great with Graeme. We have a great chemistry on the golf course and I'm sure we can team up to win a couple of points for Europe."