Padraig Harrington hopes he and partner Robert Karlsson can set the ball rolling for Europe when they tee off the 37th Ryder Cup against United States pairing Phil Mickelson and Anthony Kim on Friday.

The three-times major winner joins the Swede as captain Nick Faldo's opening pairing in the morning foursomes match against world number two Mickelson and the up-and-coming Kim.

Irishman Harrington has climbed to fourth in the world rankings following back-to-back major successes in the Open and USPGA Championships this year.

However, the 37-year-old Dubliner is fully aware that he and Karlsson are up against what is arguably US captain Paul Azinger's strongest pairing.

Harrington said: "It's going to be exciting, the first tee in the Ryder Cup is always nervous and the first match heightens it a little bit.

"They have gone for their best team, their two best players so we will have to bring our 'A' games tomorrow.

"The opening session is always important, momentum is always nice to have on your side."

Karlsson added: "It's great going out first. It's a tough pairing we are facing but it's great to be playing with a double major winner from this year.

"He is a great player, great putter and I think we play pretty similar games. I think it will work out well."

The morning's second match at Valhalla sees Paul Casey and Henrik Stenson playing Justin Leonard and Hunter Mahan, followed by Justin Rose and Ian Poulter against Stewart Cink and Chad Campbell.

Faldo has opted to play arguably his own strongest pairing last, with Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia - who have won four of their six Cup matches together - teeing off against Kenny Perry and Jim Furyk.

World number five Garcia said: "Me and Westy again, that's fabulous. We get along beautifully and have done well in the past Ryder Cups so we are really looking forward to it.

"We played really well in practice together. We had a good game against Padraig and Robert and so we're ready to go.

"Tomorrow is where everything starts and we will be ready."

Although he and Garcia are up against local hero Perry, Westwood added: "I don't think the Kentucky factor will make that much of a difference. I am sure the crowds will be cheering for all the American players as you would expect them to.

"Sergio and I have played well together in the past and taken in a few points for the European cause so we will be looking to do the same again tomorrow."