Garcia hails majestic McIlroy

McIlroy (L) and Garcia larking around

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Sergio Garcia insists he will be delighted to see Rory McIlroy equal his record and become only the second 20-year-old to make the world's top ten since the ranking system began.

The Northern Irish youngster currently stands at 13 in the world rankings, but has the chance to crack the top ten with a big performance at the season-ending Dubai World Championship.

McIlroy has certainly given himself every chance of doing so with opening rounds of 68 and 69 seeing him into a six-way tie for second at the halfway stage.

Garcia, 29, is certainly a huge fan of the youngster, stating: "I love the way he plays and I love the kid.

"It's great to see him doing so well. He's been playing great all year and he's playing great this week."

Asked about the two of them pairing up at the Ryder Cup in Wales next October, the Spanish star added: "It would be awesome no matter who he plays with.

"He's going to be a great asset to the team and Martin Kaymer could be unbelievable too.

"Monty (captain Colin Montgomerie) should be very happy - it looks good."

Garcia also went on to back McIlroy's decision to head Stateside and join the PGA Tour next season, insisting it will help his development.

"I think it's natural move," he continued. "He knows what to expect. He's played in America already and it's not like he's a rookie.

"If he wants to become the best player he can I think he has to. He didn't ask me, but I would have advised him to do it.

"And the most important thing is to stay with himself. People think you have to change your whole game and that's not true."