Defending champion Padraig Harrington and Graeme McDowell both declared themselves happy on two over par going into the weekend at the Open.

McDowell shot 73 on Friday and said afterwards: "I'm really happy. I am where I want to be. I'm in the mix."

Harrington, who eagled the 17th during his round of 68, is confident that he has recovered from his wrist injury.

"I would have to think I am over the wrist problem now and I'm delighted with my position," he said.

"I'm well in there with 36 holes to go and you just need to be there with nine to play. It's unlikely anybody is going to run away with it."

I probably would have settled for top 10 after two days Graeme McDowell

Harrington birdied three holes and bogeyed a further three in addition to his eagle.

McDowell, who won the Scottish Open last week, went out in tricky morning conditions and bogeyed the 2nd, 6th, 10th and 11th.

He appeared to be heading for a four-over par 74 but a superb three iron to the 16th green left the Northern Irishman with a short putt that he sank for a much-needed birdie.

McDowell led after the first round of the Open at Royal Liverpool two years ago before falling away.

"I think I am more in control of my golf swing than I was a couple of years ago," he added.

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"I know where the bad shots come from and I can self-correct on the golf course. I am very comfortable in this atmosphere.

"I'm not thinking about winning at this stage. I just think it is going to be such a tough weekend that anyone within four or five shots of the lead has a chance.

"I don't think there is any change in my mindset (for the weekend) because this golf course is so challenging that you have to focus hard and try to make a par on every hole."