Shane Lowry given boost by Paul McGinley

Shane Lowry has received timely backing from Ryder Cup veteran Paul McGinley after a dreadful pro debut in the European Open at the London Golf Club in Kent.

The game's new sensation, who won the storm-hit Irish Open a fortnight ago while playing as an amateur, carded a first-round six over par 78 and will need a second round in the mid-60s in order to avoid the humiliation of missing the cut.

But according to McGinley, the burly 22-year-old Irishman has what it takes to become a success. Having partnered Lowry yesterday, McGinley reported: "He's a good kid. He's got a good attitude, he's got a great short game and he's a powerful hitter, so what more do you want?

"By becoming a pro Shane has propelled himself into a different stratosphere to where he was, so he was bound to be nervous. But I could see the quality there."

McGinley will resume two under, five behind overnight leader Anders Hansen of Denmark.