McIlroy takes comfort from Harrington hints

Teenager Rory McIlroy will take inspiration from double Open champion Padraig Harrington as he attempts to win his first European Tour title in the Dunhill Links Championship.

McIlroy looked set to break his duck in the Omega European Masters at the start of last month, taking a four-shot lead into the final round only to eventually lose out to Jean-Francois Lucquin in a play-off.

But the 19-year-old from the North is on course to have another chance this weekend after a hugely impressive second round of 69 at Carnoustie - where he finished leading amateur in the Open last year - left him just one shot off the lead.

Austria's Markus Brier shrugged off the bitterly cold conditions to return a 70 at St Andrews and lead on eight under par, one ahead of McIlroy, Germany's Martin Kaymer and Ryder Cup team-mates Soren Hansen and Robert Karlsson.

McIlroy, who would have been the third-youngest winner in tour history in Switzerland and would be the fourth-youngest on Sunday, said: "Padraig called me over on Wednesday and said 'hard luck' and that he knew how it felt, we've all blown tournaments that we should have won.

"He's been second on tour 29 times and learnt how to win. He hasn't had a second place for three years. He told me to keep getting experience, get yourself up there again and you'll win.

"The more you are there the more you will learn and you'll close it out."

McIlroy finished second in this event last year in just his second event since turning professional, earning enough money to secure his European Tour card for 2008.

"I'm doing as well as last year, I would love to repeat that finish and even go better," the former European amateur champion said.

"I need to get into position first to have a chance to do that. If I do I'm sure my recent experience in Switzerland will help me.

"It didn't quite happen for me then but I'm playing well again this week and I've probably got the easiest course of the three tomorrow. I know the top guys are having to come here to Carnoustie so if I can go out at Kingsbarns and do well I could be right up there."