Graeme McDowell admitted that it was a battle on Sunday as the Northern Irishman played a key role in helping Europe retain the Ryder Cup.

Jordan Spieth was 3 Up in the opening singles match with McDowell early in their meeting, before seeing the former US Open champion produce a memorable comeback to claim a 2&1 triumph.

"I just got off to such a slow start," the 35-year-old told Sky Sports News. "I didn't feel I'd had a lot of course time this week - I hadn't seen the ball go in the hole much.

"I just felt something inside me start to turn around at the eighth. I'm just relieved to get that point across the line. The captain gave me a role this morning and I'm happy to deliver.

"You want it so bad you get in your own way sometimes, you just have to realise that this is what it's all about. If you're 3-down, just try to win the next hole, we talked about it last night."

McDowell has been victorious at three of the four Ryder Cups he has played in.