As Padraig Harrington returns to the Irish Open, he's been building back from a wrist injury.

Speaking to Nathan Murphy on the Lahinch course on the eve of the tournament, the three-time major winner admits it's hampered him.

The Dubliner isn't necessarily ready to contend at the Irish Open. But he is more optimistic about being right for the next Major at The Open.

"The wrist injury has been quite a setback," he told Nathan.

Crazy Odds

"I've had injuries before and they've never bothered me. The wrist has definitely set me back. Somebody told me they got 100-1 on me which is crazy odds.

"But if I was a betting man, I'd put the money that you're going to put on me this week, not this week, but at The Open in two weeks' time. I definitely can be ready for The Open in two weeks' time.

"I'm taking a chance with being ready for the Irish Open starting tomorrow."

But he added that the wrist hasn't prevented him from working extensively on the driving range.

"There is a little bit of a mobility issue in it and I do get a little bit of pain," he added however.

"But that's seemingly going to be there for nine months or whatever. So I have to manage it in some ways and get the physio on it.

"But nothing stops me hitting golf shots. The reason I'm not doing it this afternoon is I don't need to. I need to go and practice my putting and hit a few bunker shots.

"I don't need to go and hit the longer shots."

He also spoke about the speculation about him potentially hosting the Irish Open next year.

You can watch Nathan's full chat with Padraig Harrington above via the video player.

Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!

Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.