McDowell right behind Dazza

McDowell (L) and Clarke

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Graeme McDowell has become the latest player to throw his weight behind Darren Clarke's inclusion in Europe's Ryder Cup team.

Clarke is vying for one of captain Nick Faldo's two picks with Paul Casey, Ian Poulter and Colin Montgomerie his most obvious rivals.

Clarke did his hopes of securing a wildcard berth a power of good by streaking to his second European Tour win of the season last weekend in Holland.

With a superb Ryder Cup pedigree, the likes of Padraig Harrington have already made clear their view that Clarke must be included by Faldo and McDowell has now joined the chorus of voices.

The 29-year-old from Portrush will be making his Ryder Cup debut at Valhalla next month and feels his fellow Ulsterman should join him in the European ranks.

"It was just fabulous to see Darren win (in Holland), because he's now put himself prime position and we are going to need guys like him on the team," McDowell stated.

"The Ryder Cup is going to be an unbelievable experience and guys like Darren and Lee Westwood are going to be so pivotal to the success of the side, given that I'm one of four rookies currently in the team.

"That's why I am pulling for Darren as one of the picks.

"I would love to tee it up in the fourballs or foursomes with Darren as my partner.

"And I've been bouncing that possibility off him already - it would be so fantastic."

Back in competitive action

Having already secured his place, McDowell has enjoyed a couple of weeks away from tournament action, but returned to competition at this week's Johnnie Walker Championship - the final qualifying event for the Ryder Cup.

While delighted to be back, he admits he is glad that he has not left himself a nervy last weekend at Gleneagles.

"I'm really pleased to be back in competition, but I'm also so delighted that I'm not on the Ryder Cup bubble and facing the anxiety of whether or not you are going to make the team," he added.

"There's enough to focus on this week without having that added stress, so I am very happy.

"I've worked very hard this year on trying to focus on my goals and planning my schedule properly.

"Playing well at the right time is something you can never plan for, but I really paced myself well this season. I played well at the correct times and secured my place on the team early.

"This gave me the cushion to take the last two weeks off and to come here this week and watch it all unfold while I concentrate on the tournament."