McIlroy has also stressed that it will be impossible for Bradley to operate as a player-captain, should he qualify for the US team next year at Bethpage Black.

It was confirmed earlier this week that the 38-year-old will lead the Americans, making him the youngest captain since Arnold Palmer way back in the 1960s.

But, given that he is the current World No 19, there remains every chance that Bradley could yet play his way on to the team over the next year.

McIlroy believes the Americans have created a potential problem for themselves by going for such a left-field appointment 

– and feels Bradley may even have to relinquish his captaincy duties.

The Northern Irishman also revealed that he flirted with the idea of being a player-captain role for the 2027 Ryder Cup, which is to be held on some soil at Adare Manor.

But he believes it simply isn’t possible, saying: ‘No, absolutely not. I’ve contemplated it for Adare and no, there’s much work that goes into it.

‘I’ve seen what Luke went through preparing for Rome – there’s no way you can be as good a captain as you need to be and be a playing captain as well.

‘It’s been mentioned and I’ve just said no way. If you want to be the best captain you can be, you can’t play. If you want to be the best player, you can be you can’t [be] captain.

‘It’s one or the other, especially with how big the Ryder Cup has become and how many things you have to do in the lead up to the event and in the week of the event.

‘Keegan is the 19th ranked player in the world, so he’s got a great chance of making the team.

‘Then, if he does, I think he’s just going to have to give that captaincy role to one of his vice-captains.’

McIlroy posted a terrific opening round of 65 on Thursday as he made a strong start to the defence of his title at the Genesis Scottish Open.

He sits on five-under par, three shots back from overnight leader Justin Thomas, who carded eight birdies in a flawless round of 62.

McIlroy revealed that the Europeans had gathered for a dinner with captain Luke Donald last weekend when they learned of Bradley’s appointment.

Asked what the reaction had been when they heard the news, he said: ‘I think disbelief. I think Keegan was probably in disbelief, at some point, too, but certainly an interesting pick.

‘Yeah, definitely I think a surprise for everyone. We had dinner in London on Sunday night with Luke and he told us then.

‘Yeah, it’s an interesting appointment. The youngest captain since Arnold Palmer I think was a playing captain as 34.

‘But he knows Bethpage very well. He went to university in the area. He’s obviously very passionate about the Ryder Cup.

‘Yeah, I mean, it’s certainly a departure from what the U.S. have done over the last few years, and you know, time will tell if that’s a good thing or not.

‘It seems quite reactionary in terms of what happened in Rome [when US were thrashed last year] but I don’t know.

‘It’s an unbelievable opportunity for Keegan and, speaking from a European point of view, it’s really nice to have the continuity we’ve had over the year with vice-captains becoming captains.

‘Even Paul McGinley being a strategic adviser for Bethpage as well. Just to have those familiar faces in the room has always been a good thing for us.’

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Source: USA Today