CHEEKY Phil Mickelson has aimed a sly Ryder Cup dig at European team-mates Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy at Gleneagles.

The US veteran made a jokey reference to a legal dispute between the two Ulstermen when grilled about the togetherness in Tom Watson's squad.

"Not only are we able to play together, we also don't litigate against each other," Mickelson said. "I think that's a real plus this week."

The remark was a jibe at McIlroy's ongoing efforts to sue McDowell's management company, Dublin-based Horizon, for breach of contract.

McIlroy left Horizon - a firm that McDowell is a shareholder in - last year and immediately launched a court action.

McDowell admitted the case had put a strain on his relationship with his fellow Northern Irishman. And European captain Paul McGinley this week revealed he'll not pair them at the PGA Centenary Course.

After slipping in his remark, a smirking Mickelson added: "I couldn't resist! Sorry!"

Despite this being his 10th appearance in the Ryder Cup - a record for an American - 'Leftie' has only been on the winning side twice.

But he has vowed to improve those poor stats this weekend.

Mickelson, 44, said: "I would like to improve on my record. That is my goal. It won't take much to improve my winning percentage.

"My partner, Keegan Bradley, brings out some of my best golf. I'm very optimistic I can improve my record.

"We will be taking on a very strong Europe team on their home soil. It's going to be a challenge."