World number one Rory McIlroy has said that his age should not be a factor if he wants to voice his opinions to the rest of the European Ryder Cup squad.

The 23-year-old has said that he considers himself to be one of the leaders of the European team and will be looking to help out in any way he can.

"I know there are a lot of older guys than me that are going to be on the European team, but I feel like I'm in a position where I'd be one of the leaders of that team and if I feel strongly about something, I'll voice that," Reuters quotes McIlroy as saying.

"I think the big thing about the Ryder Cup is you have to be a good team member. You can't be afraid to voice your opinion. If you really feel strongly about something in the team room, you've got to stand up and speak."

The Ryder Cup, this year at the Medinah Country Club outside Chicago, begins on September 28.