Sergio Garcia was left to rue a missed chance to make strides up the US Open leaderboard after he returned a disappointing 71 on the second day at Congressional.

The Spaniard started the round four adrift of leader Rory McIlroy, but he could not keep pace with the Ulsterman as he offset three birdies with as many bogeys.

His level-par round kept him at two under for the tournament, and he will go into the weekend nine strokes off the lead after McIlroy followed up his opening 66 with a 65.

"I don't think I played very good," said Garcia, who is battling to break back into the world's top 50 in time to qualify for next month's Open Championship.

"I would love to have played much better because three or four under was very possible."

Garcia also paid tribute to runaway leader McIlroy, adding: "Rory has just played great - as simple as that.

"He is a wonderful player and very nice kid. It would be nice for him to win even if Augusta had not happened."