Butch backs returning Tiger

Harmon with Woods

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Butch Harmon insists he expects Tiger Woods to return "ready to win" and identified Anthony Kim and Rory McIlroy as the young players who could go on to challenge the world number one.

Woods has been sidelined since his win at last year's US Open after undergoing reconstructive knee surgery.

It is the fourth time the world number one has had the knee operated on and some speculated that the injury could threaten his stellar career.

However, with the American expected to be back in action in time for The Masters in April, Harmon is backing his former protege to return in top shape.

"This is the fourth time Tiger has had to undergo surgery on that knee of his which means something has to be terribly bad with it because it hasn't recovered fully in the past," Harmon said at a media commitment in the UAE ahead of this week's Dubai Desert Classic.

"I think he came back too soon after his previous operations and it hasn't helped because he's had to go out again.

"This time, however, I don't think he's going to be back until he's fully fit. It may take time but I think he will be looking to make a comeback only when he knows he's ready to win."

Mental strength

Harmon added that he felt Woods' real strength lay in his mental fortitude, but picked out Kim and McIlroy as men who could challenge his hegemony of the game in the future.

"Woods is mentally a very strong character. You can't see his strength because it's all up there in his mind," he continued.

"He's a great athlete as well and the way he plays his level is always top notch.

"But at the same time there are a few young players who are doing very well and if I were to pick one from each Tour, I'd pick Anthony Kim from the USPGA and Rory McIlroy from the European Tour."