Fighting talk as Darren Clarke keeps his eyes on the prize

Darren Clarke last night hit back at Johnny Miller’s criticism of his European Ryder Cup team, pouring scorn on the American’s assertion it was the worst in years.

Former US Open champion Miller, an NBC Sports analyst, told viewers during Saturday’s coverage of the Tour Championship the six rookies on Europe’s team and the absence of Ryder hero Ian Poulter through injury, though he is one of Clarke’s vice captains, would be the decisive factor in this weekend’s contest in Minnesota.

“I do believe the Euros have got, at least on paper, the worst team they’ve had in many years,” Miller said on NBC. “I think with all those rookies ... when you lose Poulter, it’s like tearing your heart out. I think this is the year not only could the US win, they could win by like five points.”