Rory McIlroy has backed Tommy Fleetwood to handle the pressure of playing The Open in his hometown at Royal Birkdale. Fleetwood, who grew up minutes away in Southport, is the fans' favourite this week but failed to contend in 2017, shooting an opening 76 and finishing 13 strokes behind Jordan Spieth.

McIlroy understands the expectation, having missed the cut at Royal Portrush in 2019 after an opening-hole quadruple-bogey. He believes Fleetwood is more level-headed and won't fall into the same trap. Fleetwood, currently world No 9, has featured in four Ryder Cups, finished runner-up twice in majors, and claimed a breakthrough PGA Tour win at the Tour Championship last August.

Fleetwood embraces the home support as positive fuel, saying it's a dream since childhood. Meanwhile, McIlroy says his game is "trending in the right direction" after a tied-seventh at the Scottish Open. Former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley notes that in firm conditions, the cream rises to the top.

The Open begins Thursday at 6.30am on Sky Sports Golf with over 15 hours of daily coverage for the first two rounds.