Irish golfer Rory McIlroy has a message for Tiger Woods: prepare to be taken down. McIlroy says he wants to go head-to-head with Woods at next week's Ryder Cup.

The 21-year-old Irish star is certainly not short of confidence going into the event for the first time. 'It would be great to take someone like Tiger Woods down,' he told the press this week. 'But I don't mind who I play, I just want to win points for the team. Whoever I come up against from the American side, I will be ready for them.'

McIlroy is spoiling for a victory. 'I can't wait to get over there on Monday now,' he added. 'Everyone is really excited about the week and Europe have got a great side which should hopefully get the Ryder Cup back.'

'Once I'm there and get into it, there'll be nothing that I will want more than to win the Ryder Cup back for Europe. For that week it will be the most important week for me.'