Irish Open: McIlroy races up leaderboard with strong 2nd round

Rory McIlroy produced a much-improved second round as he rediscovered some form at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

Thursday's opener saw Rory frustrated by his level-par showing, but Friday's performance looks set to have secured his place this weekend in a highly competitive field.

McIlroy carded 5 birdies in a bogey-free display at Mount Juliet to leave himself 5-under after 2 rounds, with the cut line expected to fall at 4-under.

The World Number 10 went into the day with plenty of work to do after his disappointing Thursday.

"It was just one of those days where nothing really happened," McIlroy told Sky Sports. "I was stuck in neutral most of the day and I'm going to the range to work on a few things and see if I can start a bit better tomorrow."

"I hit a few shots out there that I didn't see at all at the US Open a couple of weeks ago."

McIlroy was at least able to enjoy the support of the spectators allowed on site, adding: "It's very limited in terms of the fans but it felt like pretty much every one of them were with our group today which was nice."

"It was a great atmosphere out there, especially some of the greens on the back nine with that real amphitheatre feel.''