European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke is backing former world number one Tiger Woods to bounce back from his slump in form.

Woods is currently on the sidelines after an alarming drop-off at the start of 2015 brought more questions about his troublesome back.

The American is still targeting a return to competitive actions at the Masters next month and Clarke feels golf is a better game with Woods around.

“I’ve seen Tiger at his absolute best and it would be great to see him get back to his best again, or somewhere near, because any event with Tiger in it is that little bit more special,” Clarke said.

Woods has not tasted major championship success since his 2008 US Open win and his hopes of adding to his 14 career victories at the majors appear to be fading fast.

Rory McIlroy is 5.76 to win the Masters at Augusta but Clarke has warned people not to write Woods off too quickly.

“Due to Rory coming along and Jordan Spieth playing so well, people are saying ‘Tiger’s done, he’s finished’ but I wouldn’t be quite as quick to write him off as he’s a special man.” Clarke said.

“You can’t be as good as he was then lose it all.”

Woods has four previous wins at the Masters but has not tasted success around Augusta National since 2005.

McIlroy will have the focus of the golfing world on him as he attempts to complete a career Grand Slam at the majors by winning for a third straight time at golf’s marquee events following his wins at the Open Championship and USPGA Championship last year.