The Londoner, billed as the European team talisman after his past heroics against the United States, slumped to a heavy defeat on Friday and then lacked a spark throughout most of his Saturday round.

That changed as he chipped in at the 15th, claimed a crucial birdie at the next and played a superb approach to the last to ensure the Europeans finished all square with Jimmy Walker and Rickie Fowler.

Poulter’s magic moments prompted fist-pumping, chest-thumping celebrations reminiscent not only of Medinah two years ago, but of Celtic Manor in 2010 when he boldly told captain Colin Montgomerie he would deliver in the singles.

Asked whether he would be making similar promises to McGinley, the 38-year-old simply said: “I’m not telling you.”

Team-mate Henrik Stenson, accompanying Poulter at a press conference, jokingly said that meant “he can guarantee a half or better” but Poulter would not elaborate.

The 38-year-old, however, was pleased to have finally rediscovered his touch with much having been made prior to competition of his nickname ’Postman’, for always delivering.

Poulter said: “There was a lot of emotion. It’s been waiting to come out. It took way too long for it to do so, but it was nice to be able to do it in that fashion.

“Fifteenth hole was very much looking like the US team were going to go two up with three to play. It’s a funny game sometimes.

“It was nice to get the juices flowing. Not much has gone in the hole yet so far this week.

“Obviously I’ve only played twice, but it was great to do be able to do that and have Rory there, as backup, as well, to hole that shot at the last was real sweet.”