Rory McIlroy seems to have played himself back into form with the Masters just around the corner after an encouraging showing at the recent Texas Open.

Irish golfer Des Smyth believes the signs are good heading into the first Major of the year.

"I think it was a great thing that happened last weekend. He played like the Rory we expect. He's had a bit of a bumpy ride up to now but I wasn't too worried," said Smyth.

"I've been a player most of my life and I know you can go through these ups and downs and flows in your game. A player of his class only needs a little injection of confidence. He's right where he should be."

But does Smyth believe that the much-publicized change of clubs contributed to McIlroy's slow start to the season?

"I think people forget that he came off such a high at the back end of last year in that he won three of his last five events," explains Smyth. "

"And then there was the big, new contract and the hulabaloo about that. I think that threw him off a little bit. It's hard to stay on that high, even for a great player like him. So I think he was quite happy to let it drift but I think last week will put everything right."

And what of three-time Major winner Padraig Harrington's chances?

Listen to Des Smyth's analysis here: