The Hartlepool ace blasted a second round 69 to lie just four shots off leader Gregory Havret going into today's third round of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles.

The tournament is the final event in the race to make the Ryder Cup team which heads to Valhalla in Kentucky in less than three weeks time with captain Faldo arriving in his private jet tomorrow evening to announce his two wildcard picks.

Storm is too far back to come into contention for the European team but he has his sights on the £233,000 winner's cheque on offer.

He said: "There is a lot going on this week but hopefully I can keep playing the way I have done.

"I made a few stupid mistakes on Thursday but played great yesterday and I am in the mix.

"I have been struggling on Saturday's recently so I have got to get through that mental barrier.

"I have done well on this course in the past so there is no reason why I should not be confident.

"It will be interesting to see where I am going into the final round tomorrow.

"If I am within striking distance then I know that I am capable of mounting a challenge."

Storm will tee off at 12.05pm with France's Francois Delamontagne.

SEE Saturday's Mail for full story