Paul McGinley was deeply concerned yesterday about a chest injury which caused him to withdraw from the pre-tournament pro-am at St Leon Rot. But there was a boost from a tournament colleague who is an absentee this week because of the same problem. "It's the intercostal muscle in the rib cage - the same injury that Sam Torrance has," said the Dubliner, who took painkillers last week on the way to a share of second place in the Benson and Hedges International at the Belfry. "I have been advised to rest as much as possible and I plan to take that advice."

Torrance is here for promotional work as European Ryder Cup captain. And he said of McGinley: "Paul's a great wee player and is definitely ready for the Ryder Cup. In fact looking at the points table, he's in the team right now and has only to stay there."

McGinley's concern is heightened by the fact that he had the same problem two years ago when he was forced to take complete rest for six weeks. "It's a worry - no doubt about it," he added. "I limited my practice today to hitting about 20 balls because I'm anxious not to take any unnecessary risks."

There will be no opportunity for rest over the next two weeks, given his commitment to the Volvo PGA Championship, followed by the British Masters.

Now 66th in the world rankings, however, he would need to do something dramatic to make the top 50 to qualify for a place in the US Open at Southern Hills next month. Should he fail to make that assignment, it could become part of a three-week break in between the English Open and the Great North Open.

But he is enthused by the prospect of playing today and tomorrow with Harrington and Ernie Els. "That's a first, certainly at this stage of a tournament," he said of the school friend who partnered him to victory in the 1997 World Cup.

There was better news for Des Smyth, who was in fine form yesterday, having recovered from the stomach problem which kept him out of action for the last two weeks. "Before heading here, I played 10 holes at Baltray with Gregory (his son) and everything felt fine," he said.