Nick Faldo will miss the chance to see a Rory McIlroy duel with Jordan Spieth at this week’s Open but the man who tamed St Andrews 25 years ago also believes the current world number one has missed a serious opportunity to add to his major haul after his football injury.

Michael McDermott’s consistent season on the Irish PGA circuit in 2014 has earned him a debut appearance at this year’s Dubai Irish Open.