Ian Poulter is hopeful that watching good friend Justin Rose win his maiden Major title at the 2013 US Open will inspire him to victory at Pinehurst this week.

Rose became the tournament's first English winner since 1970 when he won on the Merion course last year, where Poulter finished 26th after struggling off the tee.

The 38-year-old has been battling for form throughout 2014, having been troubled with a recent back injury, but he expects to thrive and compete in the difficult conditions in North Carolina.

"It was an inspiration [to see Rose winning]," said Poulter told reporters. "I didn't drive it well last year; you have to drive it exceptionally well to be a real factor and you need to have an incredible short game.

"US Open golf is brutally difficult, it wears you down and you have to be on your game for that given week. You have to be on your game, US Open set-ups are tough. I like tough golf.

"I would expect myself to be able to hang in there and be tough and if I'm fit, fresh, ready, no niggles, then I am all good."

Poulter's best mMjor finish is outright second at the 2008 Open Championship, won by Padraig Harrington.