Ian Poulter (40/1 to win the Masters) has dismissed suggestions Tiger Woods’ return to action in the tournament will prove to be a distraction to his own game.

Poulter has been drawn just ahead of Woods (11/2 favourite for the title) in the first round of the competition, that gets underway at Augusta on Thursday, and there were claims the extra focus on the returning American could distract the Englishman with more fans than usual expected to be in place for his round.

But the World Match Play champion, who will attempt to become the first English golfer to win a major since Nick Faldo in 1996, has laughed off talk that Woods’ return will put him off his game.

“I don’t see it being any problem at all,” Poulter said.

“They are very respectful fans here and I don’t mind where I play. I’ll be concentrating on my job and that’s all I’m worried about.”

He added: “It’s not tough. It’s going to be good – and I don’t mind where I tee off.”