McDowell wants Harrington pairinghttp://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/west_ham_utd/7597876.stm
Ryder Cup debutant Graeme McDowell is hoping to strike up a winning partnership with his fellow Irishman Padraig Harrington at Valhalla.
McDowell believes that an all-Irish pairing would be an obvious option for European skipper Nick Faldo.
"If we played together and played well on the first day, maybe we would get a couple of games on the Saturday as well," said the Northern Irishman.
McDowell acknowledged his surprise at Darren Clarke's omission from the team.
"My money was on (Ian) Poulter and Clarkey to make the wildcards but he (Faldo) threw (Paul) Casey in there," said McDowell.
McDowell sad at Clarke absence
"I was a little surprised and disappointed, obviously, as I would love to have Darren in the team and maybe have got a game with him.
"Darren has got a fantastic Ryder Cup record and he's a great match player, the kind of man you want in the side but Paul Casey is a wonderful player as well.
"Paul's matchplay record is outstanding and he's a World Match Play champion and a really solid player.
"I'm disappointed for Darren but I think we've got a great team and a really good chance to win."
McDowell added that he has not had much contact so far with Faldo in the build-up to the 19-21 September contest in Kentucky.
I'm disappointed for Darren but I think we've got a great team and a really good chance to win
Graeme McDowell
"He's kept a pretty low-profile in Europe and let the guys get on with their jobs," he added.
"Until the team was made solid, he's hasn't been able to say much or do much. Now hopefully the floodgates will open and he'll be able to give us all a call and talk about the schedule a little bit."
McDowell acknowledged that playing in the Ryder Cup will fulfil one of his big career ambitions.
"You give yourself that pat on the back and say, 'I've done it'. It feels pretty good to be able to look forward to it now," he said.
"It's been a dream of mine to play in the Ryder Cup and I was devastated not to play at the K Club a couple of years ago."
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Clarke is surely entitled to feel aggrieved
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McDowell's impressive Scottish Open victory in July secured his Ryder Cup berth and the 29-year-old has been able to opt out of a few recent events to ensure that he will be fresh for Valhalla.
"I think I am playing well enough at the minute. I'm going to play next week in Germany and take my coach there and get my game ready," he added.
"If I can bring that form to Valhalla, I fully expect to be winning points."
