Padraig Harrington, Alexander Knappe and Callum Shinkwin are tied at the top of the Scottish Open leaderboard on -9.

Harrington, who shot an impressive opening round 67, was in great form at Dundonald Links for the second straight day after he carded a bogey-free four-under-par 68 to set the clubhouse lead on -9.

The Irishman, whose last victory came at the 2016 Portugal Masters, is right in contention to win a 16th European Tour title whilst his up-turn in form will provide him with great confidence for the Open next week, which is at the same venue the 45-year-old won the Major in 2008.

Joining the Dublin-born star at the top of the standings are England's Shinkwin, who is ranked 405 in the world, and Germany's Knappe, who posted the round of the day on Friday.

The latter, who is a two-time Challenge Tour winner, made seven birdies, one eagle and just two bogeys to sign for a magnificent seven-under-par 65, leaving the 28-year-old in prime position to break his duck on the European circuit.

Shinkwin, who is only 24, sank six birdies and dropped just two shots across the day as he aims to clinch his first professional title, having only previously triumphed as an amateur.

England's Ian Poulter, who is ranked 85 in the world, and Australian Andrew Dodt are just one shot off the pace on -8 after both players carded three-under-par 69s, whilst American Rickie Fowler, Frenchman Gregory Havret and Belgium's Nicolas Colsaerts are a further stroke off the pace.

Rory McIlroy's fortunes failed to improve ahead of next week's Open at Royal Birkdale after he finished the tournament one-over-par, missing the cut for a second straight tournament by two shots.

Other notable players that won't be featuring this weekend are Jamie Donaldson, Victor Dubuisson, David Lingmerth, Paul Lawrie, Oliver Fisher, Alex Noren and Emiliano Grillo.