Masters champion Rory McIlroy says he “loves” the team selected by European captain Luke Donald for this month’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

The world number two from Northern Ireland will again spearhead the European challenge with captain Donald naming the most settled team in Ryder Cup history.

Rasmus Hojgaard – who has replaced his twin brother Nicolai having qualified through the ranking system – is the only change to the team that beat the United States two years ago.

McIlroy, 36, has completed the career Grand Slam since that victory in Rome, while Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood both won FedEx Cup play-off events last month and Robert McIntyre was second in another.

“You could make an argument that all 12 guys are more accomplished than they were two years ago, so I’m excited,” McIlroy told BBC Sport NI’s Stephen Watson.

“Continuity is an underestimated quality in a team, especially when it comes to a Ryder Cup when there’s so many variables and changes. Love the 12 guys that have been assembled, and I think we’re ready to go.

“We know it’s going to be very difficult, there’s a reason every Ryder Cup for the past 10 years has been won by the home team, but we have a great opportunity.”