Rory McIlroy is within touching distance of leaders Danny Willett and Marc Warren after day two of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

The 27-year-old shot a second round 70 to remain one shot off the pace at the K Club and told Nick Dye after his round that he was content with his day's work.

"I'm excited to be here for the weekend and have a chance to win the tournament" he said, "Today maybe wasn't quite as good as yesterday but I still think I played a decent round of golf.

"I think anything under par in those conditions this morning was OK, so I'm excited with two days to go."

Up alongside him is Masters champion Willett and McIlroy said that the quality of competition playing at their best can only be good for the tournament.

"Obviously we want to do what's right for the tournament and I want to make sure I'm putting my time in off the golf course as well. I don't think anything is as good for this tournament than to have a strong leaderboard like we do heading into the weekend."