A third-round 69 gave Sandy Lyle the "kick up the backside" he needed in the Open championship at St Andrews.

Lyle won the Open 20 years ago and added the US Masters title in 1988, but has not won a tournament since 1992.

But the 47-year-old Scot has taken great heart from his performance this week with rounds of 74, 67 and 69 giving him a six-under total of 210.

"It's the first time I've felt a real buzz since finishing third in the Dunhill Links championship here in 2002," Lyle said after a round of four birdies and one bogey.

"This is what I've been needing for quite a few years. It's nice and a little kick up the backside for me.

"It's astonishing considering the way I played last week when I missed the cut by a million miles (he shot rounds of 72 and 76 in the Scottish Open)."

Lyle paid tribute to his American coach Ken Martin, who has also been his caddie this week, for helping bring some consistency back to his game.

"That's been the main difference," Lyle added. "Before I was hitting it left and right which is no good at all.

"Jack Nicklaus can't do what he used to do but he's 65 and I'm 47. I still feel strong and pretty fit."