The Irish Open may be returning to the glory days of the 1980's and early 1990's.

Thats according to Des Smyth, as Royal County Down prepares to host the event.

Rory McIlroy's charitable foundation is to host the event, and the World Number One has brought a strong field to the tournament, including Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia, Ernie Els and reigning US Open champion Martin Kaymer.

The 2014 European Ryder Cup vice captain calls the Irish Open "the fifth major" for the Irish players and he feels optimistic of an Irish winner on the links course.

The Baltray native wants to see the tournament have an exciting finish with some of the top players in contention going into the back nine on Sunday.

Smyth, who has won eight times on the European Tour, spoke to Oisin Langan earlier this morning ahead of the Pro-Am: