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Rory McIlroy reiterates support for Darren Clarke to become Ryder Cup captain

Rory McIlroy reiterates that he wants Darren Clarke to be named as the new Ryder Cup captain for the 2016 tournament at Hazeltine.

World number one Rory McIlroy has once again publicly backed Darren Clarke to be given the Ryder Cup captaincy for Europe.

The 2011 British Open champion is a strong favourite for the role after Paul McGinley guided Europe to victory over the USA at Gleneagles last weekend.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, who was assistant captain in Scotland, is also believed to be a candidate to lead the team at Hazeltine in Minnesota in two years' time.

"Obviously there have been a few names thrown about there, but I have said with a Ryder Cup being in America, I feel that Darren Clarke would be the perfect man to lead the team there, just because he has such a great reputation in the States," McIlroy told reporters.

"The fans really love him there and he has got a good rapport with everyone. I think he would be the right man to do it next time at Hazeltine."

Clarke has also received public endorsements from Lee Westwood and Graeme McDowell.

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Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland hits his tee-shot on the 14th hole during the first round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship at the Abu Dhabi Golf Cub on January 16, 2014
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