Rory McIlroy rightly declared he is prepared to display his World No. 1 stature on the course but will take a back seat in the European Team room.

The 23-year old Northern Irishman is currently the hottest golfer on the planet having won three of his past six events since his eight stroke Ocean Course cruise to success in the PGA Championship.

And while the likes of immediate past European Team captain Colin Montgomerie suggested McIlroy needs to be more outspoken off the course, the double Major winner admits he still has much to learn behind the scenes ahead of his second straight Ryder Cup appearance.

Graeme McDowell certain to again be paired with fellow Ulsterman and fellow U.S. Open champion, Rory McIlroy for the opening Foursomes encounter. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

“There are leaders on our team who will lead with experience,” said McIlroy.

“The way I’ve played the last couple of years, I don’t think my role is a leader in the team room; I think it’s more as a leader out on the course and trying to lead in that way. Try to put points on the board and try to get my point.

“There’s a lot more guys that have played more Ryder Cups than me and are more experienced in the team room and know when to speak up and have different views on things. I’m still getting to know and still learning about the Ryder Cup.”

However while McIlroy tees up on Friday with every USA rival out to scalp the curly-haired Ulsterman, McIlroy declared he just one member of a 12-man side this week and if the Americans simply focus on him then they could come up short-changed.

“This week I’m not the No. 1 player in the world because I’m one person in a 12-man team, and that’s it,” said McIlroy.

“It’s a team effort. There’s 12 guys all striving towards the same goal. I’m just part of that.

“I don’t think I have a bull’s-eye on my back. I think it’s a huge compliment that people are saying they want to beat me and whatever. Whoever wants to take me on, they can take me on.”

McIlroy made his Ryder Cup debut two years ago in the second match on day one and teaming with good friend, Graeme McDowell to squeeze out a half-a-point against Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar.

All up, McIlroy managed two points from a possible four at Celtic Manor and will be looking to become the first ever European in the history of the Ryder Cup to win five points from five games.

“I just want to go out and try and win all my points and that’s all I’m thinking about,” he added.

“I don’t have a number. I don’t have a total. With the U.S. playing here at home, I think they are the favourites. It’s a very strong team.

“So we know we have got to go out there and play very, very well to have a chance. If I play on Friday morning, I just want to go out there, get my point and then take it from there.”

And while European Team captain, Jose Maria Olazabal has yet to name his opening foursome combinations all money is McIlroy and McDowell again being partners.