McIlroy in contention behind Willett at Irish Open (The Associated Press)

STRAFFAN, Ireland (AP) -- Rory McIlroy achieved his first aim at the Irish Open: Making the cut for the first time in four years.

The next target for the world No. 3 is clinching his first win of 2016. He'll have to reel in Masters champion Danny Willett to do so.

McIlroy shot a 2-under 70 in the second round on Friday to be one stroke behind Willett (71) and Marc Warren (66) at the K Club heading into the weekend. Willett and Warren were on 8-under 136.

''The Irish Open is one of the most important tournaments of my year and I'd dearly love to win it one day,'' McIlroy said. ''I feel like I've given myself a great chance.''

McIlroy has had six top-10 finishes in 10 events but is the only…