GLASGOW, July 9, 2008 (AFP) - Phil Mickelson expects the Scottish Open to kick-start his challenge for a first triumph at the British Open.

Mickelson, 38, is desperate to lift the famous claret jug and the world number two has a golden opportunity with Tiger Woods sidelined after knee surgery.

The American, who will play alongside Oliver Wilson and Ross Fisher in Thursday's Scottish Open first round, knows he has to be in peak form going into next week's British Open.

He has already played three practice rounds at Birkdale ahead of the third major of the year and can't wait to get back in action at Loch Lomond this week.

'Next week is always on everybody's mind and we are trying to get ready but part of that is performing well here this week,' Mickelson said.

'The best way to prepare for next week is to play well and be sharp here.'

Mickelson, who lost to Gregory Havret in a play-off at Loch Lomond 12 months ago, has won twice on the US tour this season and was fifth in the Masters in April, but he knows the next part of the season will determine whether he has a successful year.

'I took the last three weeks off because I knew I was going to be playing for almost the next three months,' he said.

'It's a very busy spell with this week, next week and then the USPGA Championship and I'll be playing nine out of the next 11 or 12 weeks.

'But I'm looking forward to this next three months because that will determine how the year went.'