McDowell shoots a second round 67

Graeme McDowell is hoping to secure a Ryder Cup spot

Northern Ireland player Graeme McDowell lies second in the European Open after a second round of five-under-par 67 left him 12 under for the tournament.

Ross Fisher leads on 13 under with Sergio Garcia in third on nine under.

Paul McGinley is seven under following a 68 and Rory McIlroy lies 10th on six under after a round of 71 on Friday.

However, Darren Clarke suffered the indignity of being disqualified for signing for an incorrect score although he would have missed the cut anyway.

Clarke had signed for a disappointing 75 for a two-over-par total but he had closed with a bogey five and not a par on the 18th hole so that resulted in his disqualification.

The Dungannon man suffered his second successive missed cut and his only possible route into the Open later this month will be by achieving a top-five finish at next week's Scottish Open.

Portrush man McDowell carded six birdies and a bogey at the 17th hole in his second round at the London Golf Club.

The young Holywood player had an eagle, four birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey in his second round.

Soren Hansen lies fourth, one behind Garcia on eight under.

After his second round, McDowell said it was "nice to follow up a good round with a solid one".

It would be nice to give myself a chance here on Sunday afternoon Graeme McDowell

"I gave myself some chances, made some nice putts, but left a few out there.

"I would have taken a 67 before I went out there so I'm in a good position going into the weekend.

"There is a little bit of extra pressure when you are in contention but there are no prizes for being top of the leaderboard on Friday and I must keep my foot on the pedal.

"It's important to come into this part of the season feeling fresh and fit and swinging the club well as there are a lot of big events coming up.

"It would be nice to give myself a chance here on Sunday afternoon and that is what I am striving for."

Padraig Harrington is on two under after a 70 while Gary Murphy also qualified for the weekend after hitting a 71 for one under - a shot inside the cut mark.

Damien McGrane missed the cut on three over after a 72 while Peter Lawrie (72) also made his exit on 149.

Clarke and McIlroy both failed to claim a place in the Open in Monday's 36-hole qualifier at Sunningdale.

However, a top five finish in this event or next week's Scottish Open would be enough to secure a spot at Royal Birkdale.

Clarke has played in every Open since making his debut in 1991.