Rory McIlroy's struggles continued on Friday after the world number two missed the cut at the Irish Open.

The Ulsterman improved on his first round 74 with an even par round of 72 on Friday, but it wasn't good enough for him to qualify for the next two rounds Carton House, County Kildare.

"It's disappointing as I feel I played okay today but it's not nice not to be competing. But there were a few good things out there. I just need to work on my game," McIlroy told Sky Sports.

The 24-year-old finished 11 shots behind leaders Peter Uihlein and Robert Rock, who reached the 36-hole mark on nine-under par.

McIlroy, a two-time major winner, wasn't the only big name player to flop after Ireland's other three major winners - Graeme McDowell, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington - all failed to reach the third round.

McIlroy has been struggling for form since he changed his club manufacturer towards the end of last season when he had reached the world number one ranking.

In the lead-up to his club change McIroy won four tournaments in five starts, but since then he has reached the top five in an event only once in 13 starts.

Golf 365