Glasgow golfer Marc Warren showed Europe’s Ryder Cup captain just what he is capable of after a sizzling start to the British Masters at Woburn.

The 34-year-old was heading into today’s second round in joint second place after a rousing six-under 65 over the Marquess Course got his title tilt off to a purposeful start.

Sheffield's Matt Fitzpatrick fired six birdies and an eagle in an opening seven-under-64 to lead by one from compatriot Lee Slattery, Warren, Denmark's Soren Kjeldsen and Sweden's Robert Karlsson.

Irish duo Shane Lowry and Padraig Harrington were part of a six-strong group on five under, with Luke Donald a shot further back and a "nervous" tournament host Ian Poulter carding a 68.

Warren’s three-ball for the opening two rounds includes Darren Clarke, the Northern Irishman who will skipper Europe in next year’s Ryder Cup at Hazeltine.

Qualifying for that team is already underway and Warren put down a marker under the nose of the captain.

As a warm-up for the Ryder Cup showdown, Clarke will also captain a European team in January’s EurAsia Cip and Warren will be eager to force his way into that side and boost his Ryder Cup credentials.

Warren, the top Scot on the Race to Dubai at No 17, said: "It was great to play with Darren because he has a great attitude on the course and will make you feel comfortable. He is looking forward to the EurAsia Cup in January and getting into that environment as captain and I think that's a great idea.

“A bogey free round like that for me is always pleasing. The last few years on Tour there have been signs of progression and I just have to keep my foot on the gas.”

Starting his first round on the back nine, Warren picked up his first shot of the day on the 14th and also birdied the 16th to reach the turn in 34.

Seeking his fourth European Tour title, the former Walker Cup star then birdied four of his first seven holes on the front nine, including holing from 30 feet on the fifth.

The British Masters is making a return to the European Tour schedule for the first time since 2008 and Warren added: “I used to watch the British Masters on the TV when I was younger so to play it on a great course like Woburn makes it special.”