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Wayne Rooney impressed by Rory McIlroy's performance at The Open

By Ali Stafford at Royal Birkdale

Sunday 23 July 2017 17:47, UK

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Wayne Rooney takes time out from pre-season training to take in the final round at Royal Birkdale

Wayne Rooney believes Rory McIlroy's game is heading in the right direction after a much-improved performance at The Open.

McIlroy headed in to the third major of the year off the back of three missed cuts in four starts, but recovered from a slow opening to his first round to make it through to the weekend at Royal Birkdale.

SOUTHPORT, ENGLAND - JULY 23: Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland reacts after his second shot on the 1st hole during the final round of the 146th Open Champ
Image: McIlroy began the final round eight strokes off the pace

The world No 4 slipped out of contention after a third-round 69 but Rooney believes there has been encouraging signs in McIlroy's game.

"I think it's positive the way he has played, especially after the last few weeks," Rooney told Sky Sports News. "He has played really well this week.

How The Open Was Won 2017

"He's slowly getting back to where he should be and it's good to see. Rory will come good in the upcoming tournaments."

Rooney scored for Everton in their pre-season friendly at Genk on Saturday and missed Branden Grace's history-making 62 as a result, but returned to attend the final round as a guest.

Wayne Rooney
Image: Rooney scored in the 1-1 draw in Belgium

"Every chance I get I go out and have a round," Rooney added. "I've got the Phil Mickelson flop shot in the bag but anything else around the greens I'm not great with!"

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