Montgomerie's agent plays down injury fears

Colin Montgomerie's agent Guy Kinnings has played down fears that the seven-times European Order of Merit winner could miss this month's Open Championship.

Montgomerie is in danger of having to sit out this week's Smurfit European Open due to recurring problems with back spasms.

The trouble again flared up at the Murphy's Irish Open, but Kinnings is sure the 39-year-old will be fit for Muirfield.

Kinnings told BBC Radio 5 Live: "I've spoken to the experts who are dealing with him, and the medics, and they are reasonably sure that while there may have to be some treatment and there may have to be some way of dealing with the pain, it is not a serious problem.

"And knowing Colin, and particularly after his experience at the Open last year, with it being back on Scottish soil at Muirfield and with him being in good form, I think he's really looking forward to the week.

"I would be very surprised if he lets anything get in the way of him playing. "

Montgomerie was at the head of the leaderboard at halfway in last year's Open before once again falling short at Royal Lytham & St Annes.