Quality off the tee crucial to McIlroy's weekend fortunes 

'I just have to get the ball in play off the tee. If I can do that, I think my iron play is good enough to take advantage of giving myself opportunities from the fairway.'

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland during day two of the Horizon Irish Open. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Feeling his back issue is becoming less of a problem every day, Rory McIlroy is aiming to go low and upset the leaders in Saturday’s third round.

Holing a gap wedge from 116 yards for an eagle on the par-5 16th, the World No. 2 gave the stunning crowds following him plenty to cheer about only to give it back with a double bogey on the 17th.