The host team traditionally triumphs at the biennial tournament, with the last five all going the way of the home side. Europe were the last travelling team to win away from home, with their stunning comeback victory in 2012 at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois.

Europe dominated USA two years ago in Rome but have been served heavy defeats in their last two trips Stateside.

McIlroy, though, believes captain Luke Donald will give them the best possible chance of downing their American rivals.

"Any time an away Ryder Cup comes to town, I do think we're still underdogs. It's a really tall task, but not an insurmountable one," McIlroy told Sky Sports ahead of this week's BMW PGA Championship.

"I think there is an opportunity there, but we have to get the planning right.

"We have to make

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