Rory McIlroy cracks 'king' joke as heroic Masters comeback puts green jacket in reach

made a joke at his own expense after roaring back up the leaderboard on a dramatic second day at . The Northern Irishman started his second round level par and eight shots off leader Justin Rose but walked off the 18th just two behind his compatriot after a superb 66.

McIlroy carded four birdies and an eagle in his round. He also made some crucial pars over the closing holes after finding trouble off the tee and is now right back in contention for a maiden green jacket. His comeback was impressive, given the manner of his capitulation on Thursday, where double bogeys on the 15th and 17th holes ruined his round.

It wasn't the first time at Augusta that the 35-year-old and finished the opening day level par. Indeed, on Friday night he noted the irony by saying: "I'm the King of shooting 72 in the first round of this golf tournament."

He turned serious when he explained why he opted to snub the media on Thursday, explaining: "I was so frustrated last night because I played so well. And you can make these big numbers from absolutely nowhere on this golf course, just like the most benign position."

McIlroy had struggled to make up ground over the first nine holes, and had only picked up one birdie as he headed for the turn. However, sublime approaches meant further birdies on 10 and 11 .

Faced with playing his second shot of the pinecones, the world No.2 took the risk of going straight for the green. Despite appearing to mishit his effort from 189 yards it nestled just a few feet from the flag.

"I don't think it was really a decision to go for it or not," he said, admitting he thought his ball was heading short of the green and into the water. I was like, you idiot, what did you do?"

Regardless of what transpires in the remainder of the second round, McIlroy won't be in the final pairing on Saturday. is currently between him and Rose on seven under par.