Padraig Harrington defends decision to leave Rory McIlroy out of foursomes

Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter sat out the foursomes session on day two of the 43rd Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits (Charlie Neibergall/AP)

Europe captain Padraig Harrington defended his decision to leave Rory McIlroy out of a Ryder Cup session for the first time as his side fought back from a nightmare start to day two at Whistling Straits.

Trailing 6-2 after the opening day Europe desperately needed a fast start in the morning foursomes, only to immediately fall three down in each of the top two matches.