Rory McIlroy wants world No 1 spot back, says Darren Clarke

Rory McIlroy is determined to seize the world No 1 ranking back as he prepares for the US Open at Erin Hills, says Darren Clarke.

Jason Day, Jordan Spieth and now Dustin Johnson have all held the top spot since McIlroy was last leading the way in 2015, and Clarke hopes his fellow Northern Irishman is suitably recovered from injury to challenge in the second major of the year.

"Rory wants to get back into that winning circle," Clarke told Sky Sports. "I hope he's recovered from that rib injury and he's back to playing the way he can.

"I'm sure he would have liked to have played a little more, but he's in a good place. He's just got married, he's happy with his swing and if Rory plays very well then he's a very hard man to beat.

"The golf Dustin has played has been phenomenal. He's taken away Rory's No 1 spot, as has Jason (and Jordan Spieth) as well. Dustin has a bit of a lead in the world rankings and I know Rory wants it back again!"

Hit play on the video at the top of the page to see Darren Clarke's US Open preview at Erin Hills