Irish champion Shane Lowry is just one stroke off the lead entering Friday's third round of the Sotogrande Cup in Spain.

Just over a week after he added the West of Ireland title to last season's Irish Amateur Close crown, the 21-year old from Esker Hills in Offaly is threatening to succeed Rory McIlroy on the roll of honour in the former Sherry Cup.

Lowry carded a five-under par, second round 67 at the Cadiz course to trail Sweden's Niclas Glans and Benjamin Herbert of France by a shot on four-under par.

Royal Dublin's Niall Kearney is the next best of the Irish in a share of 17th place on three-over par after a 71.

Portstewart's Paul Cutler (71) began in joint 30th on six over with Cian Curley (74) a shot further back in a share of 36th place.

In the team standings for the European Nations Cup, Sweden leads by 11 shots from Scotland and Germany with Ireland 13 shots adrift in fifth place.