Former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher believes that former world number one Rory McIlroy will slump out of contention for the green jacket at the Masters.

The Northern Irishman, who lost his top ranking to Tiger Woods ahead of the first Major of the year, carded an even 72 from the first round at Augusta National yesterday.

Despite McIlroy's impressive campaign last season, Gallacher believes that the 23-year-old is not in the best form to launch an attack on the top of the leaderboard.

"I think he is still struggling a bit with his swing and he is bit rusty still, he hasn't played as much this year," Gallacher told BBC Radio Five Live. "I don't expect him to win because I don't think his game is where it should be for a Major, but hopefully he will prove me wrong."

Meanwhile, Sergio Garcia and Marc Leishman share the clubhouse lead with six-under 66.