BBC SPORT | Golf | Cup boost for Harrington

Padraig Harrington has been given the all-clear to play in the Ryder Cup after a scan on his injured ankle.

The Irishman said on Friday: "I have twisted my ankle in the past and have been advised to head to the gym to strengthen the surrounding muscles which will stabilise the ankle and prevent it happening in the future.

Rose may get Ryder call

"The good news is that playing won't make it worse and the discomfort from the inflammation will ease by the day. My schedule will remain unchanged."

Even before the result of the scan, Harrington had insisted he would be fit to take his place in the Europe team to play the USA at the Belfry on 27-29 September.

"It's all rubbish. I won't be missing the Ryder Cup because of my ankle - or anything else," said Harrington.

Colin Montgomerie has a back problem
Montgomerie is Europe's main Ryder Cup worry
"I've played the last two weeks on it, and the ankle can only get better between now and The Belfry."

Harrington missed this week's European Masters in Switzerland to undergo a scan and work on his game with his coach.

The Irish star, who finished in the top 10 in three Majors this season, sustained the injury at the Dutch Open in July.

He then strained his neck midway through the US PGA Championship last month.

Only intensive treatment enabled him to struggle through to the end of the tournament.

The following week at the NEC Invitational in Seattle, Harrington's ankle trouble flared up again.

Colin Montgomerie, however, is giving Europe captain Sam Torrance more cause for concern.

Monty decision day looms

The seven-times European number one has been suffering from a back complaint which forced his withdrawal from the NEC Invitational.

The Scot is set to make a decision in the next few days about his participation at The Belfry.


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