Rory McIlroy has praised Jordan Spieth and claimed that he deserves to become the new world number one.

The 22-year-old has gone past McIlroy at the top of the rankings after a stellar season, in which he won two Major championships and finished runner-up in the other two.

McIlroy told Sky Sports News: "Honestly the way Jordan has been playing and the way I haven't played much this year - I think that was only my 12th or 13th event - it's very deservedly so.

"Winning two Majors, winning a couple of other times this year, had a chance at The Open, had a chance today. I'd be the first one to congratulate him because I know the golf you have to play to get to that spot, and it has been impressive this year."

Spieth finished second behind Jason Day in the US PGA Championship yesterday.