Former world number two James Willstrop has urged Scotland’s Alan Clyne to be patient after he failed to qualify for the British Open.

The 22 year-old, now ranked number 83 in the world, lost in a five game thriller to Germany’s world number 40 Simon Rosner to miss out in Manchester.

But Willstrop – who reached a career high ranking of two in December 2005 – insists Clyne has what is takes to reach the top.

“I would just say to him that it’s all about putting the hard work in and then it will happen,” said Willstrop.

“It’s not easy to reach the top – a lot of people say they could have made it – and you have to put the time in on the court.

“It’s hard to move up the rankings but I’ve done and I still get up in the morning wanting to play – it’s a great life.”