McGinley happy to be back in contention

PAUL McGINLEY is keenly looking forward to one of the most challenging and enjoyable weekends of his golfing career.

Not only has he played himself into a challenging position for his first tournament victory since the 2005 Volvo Masters but he is also set to play a key role in deciding on Europe’s three “wild card” picks for the Ryder Cup clash with the Americans at Celtic Manor on October 1-3.

The 43-year-old Dubliner added a 70 yesterday to Thursday’s 68 to stand six under par for the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and satisfied he is playing the kind of golf that will enable him to bridge the five-year gap since his last victory.