Lucas Herbert leads by two at the halfway stage of the Irish Open

Lucas Herbert will take a two shot lead into the weekend at the Irish Open following a five under par round of 67 at Mount Juliet Estate in Thomastown, County Kilkenny on Friday.

Following his scintillating 64 in the opening round, the 25 year-old Australian stands at 13-under for the tournament, two clear of England's Andy Sullivan, who signed for a 66, and Scotland's Grant Forrest.

Sullivan's compatriot Dale Whitnell is a further shot back at ten under, with four players tied for fifth place at nine under - Christiaan Bezuidenhout, Richard Bland, Johannes Veerman and Adrian Otaegui.