Clarke played a pivotal role in last Ryder Cup

Darren Clarke says he is desperate to make the European Ryder Cup team this year after securing his first win for five years at the Asian Open on Sunday.

The victory saw Clarke move up 100 places to 112th in the latest world rankings and claim 14th position in the European Tour Order of Merit.

"If I qualify for the Ryder Cup team that would be fantastic. That is back as a realistic goal now," said Clarke.

"I have given myself a boost but there is still along way to go to qualify."

"There is nothing that helps your confidence like winning, whatever way you do it, and it feels good.

"My focus is to keep on playing as good golf as I can and I do desperately want to be at Valhalla, but we will see."

Having endured such a difficult season in 2007, Clarke admitted he had on occasions lost his love for the game, but after tasting victory once again he is hungry for more success.

"My win has given me renewed vigour to carry on and keep working because I want more of this," he added.

"It has been difficult for me this year to watch on television the CA Championship where I have won and especially Augusta. I am not used to sitting out and watching these events.

"The reason I practice and play is so I can compete at the top level and I want to be back in the top 50 again."

The 39-year-old secured his long-awaited victory by a single stroke in a thrilling final-day encounter in Shanghai in which Clarke holed a birdie putt on the last to secure the win.