With less than 48 hours to the opening of the Ryder Cup in Wales, the ongoing spat between Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy continues as Woods responded to recent comments made by the Northern Ireland golfer.

The Co. Down golfer caused a stir last month when he told the BBC  “I would love to face Tiger, unless his game rapidly improves in the next month or so, I think anyone in the European team would fancy his chances against him."

Woods was reportedly angry with the talented Ulsterman after he picked him out as one of America’s weak links. He confronted McIlroy in the clubhouse at the BMW Championship in Chicago three weeks ago when he told him “Be careful what you wish for.”

In the past Woods has shot down a number of rivals who dared to question his ability including Stepehen Ames, Rory Sabbatini and Colin Montgomerie. When asked about McIlroy comments yesterday during a press conference, Woods was firm in his response.

"What was your reaction when Rory said he would very much like to play against you in the Ryder Cup?" came the question. "Me, too," came the reply. "Care to elaborate?" "Nope," said Tiger. He didn't have to. The smile followed by the cold stare said it all.

Carefully conceding his comments the Northern Irish golfer admitted that Woods was not at the top of his game when he made the comments, “You’ve got to realize I said those things the week after he’d shot 18-over at Akron,” said McIlroy. “He wasn’t playing too well at the time. He’s obviously getting his game together now.”

Mcllroy makes his debut for the European team as they attempt to reclaim the Ryder Cup from the United States at Celtic Manor in Wales.