PHIL Mickelson has given Europe an early boost – by saying he would love to be paired with Tiger Woods again.

The duo suffered a disaster when they were put together at the 2004 Ryder Cup by then captain Hal Sutton.

Ranked one and two in the world at the time, they combined to lose both their matches together before being split up.

It was thought inconceivable they could rekindle the partnership given how much it failed last time, but Mickelson hinted US skipper Jim Furyk is thinking about it.

Mickelson, who finished in last place, some 24 shots behind winner Woods at the Tour Championship, said: “I think we would both welcome it. I do have an idea of what Captain Furyk is thinking.”

Mickelson, 48, and Woods, 42, play in a £6.8million winner-takes-all exhibition match at the end of November.

Their relationship was notoriously frosty for years, but Lefty insists they have got closer over the years.

He added: “I think that when we started to really work together to succeed in the Ryder Cup, going back four years ago, and then at Hazeltine and last year at the Presidents Cup, where we worked together, I think we both realised we both have a lot more in common than we thought.

“I think we both have really come to appreciate working together to achieve things.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time with him. It’s been really fun.”