Padraig Harrington is ten shots off the lead after day two at the ASI Scottish Open.
The three-time major winner's 70 leaves him on one under, just inside the projected cut mark at the Renaissance Club.
However, Graeme McDowell looks set to miss out on the weekend on one over after carding a 74 which pushed him down the leaderboard and also significantly outside the cut mark.
Australia's Lucas Herbert leads the way on 11 under after a 65 which leaves him one stroke clear of England's Robert Rock who scored a 67.
Ian Poulter, who is seeking a first European Tour title for eight years at the £5.4 million event added a second round of 66 to his opening 67 for a halfway total of nine under par which was matched by playing partner and overnight leader Lee Westwood, who could only follow Thursday's brilliant 62 with a 71.
"It's nice to be in contention and good to come back, play and support the Tour," the Florida-based Poulter said.
"It's great that we have these events on right now, to be able to showcase the Tour a bit and I'm not thinking anything about Saturday bar bringing an umbrella and a pair of waterproofs.
"The weather forecast looks horrific, 20mph winds and a couple of inches of rain. You can be blown off the course easily, but we're at the right end of the leaderboard to try and batten down the hatches, dig in deep and hold strong as much as you possibly can."
Plans for 650 spectators to be allowed on site on each of the last two days had to be abandoned following a strengthening of coronavirus restrictions and Ryder Cup talisman Poulter is keenly aware of their absence.
"I love sport and it just doesn't feel the same at the moment as we can't get people together," Poulter added.
"The sooner we can do that the better it is for all sports. We can get the real buzz. We're playing golf with no adrenaline and that's difficult."
Poulter, who has been sharing a house with McDowell this week, added: "We're probably having more fun than the other guys, but it is strange.
"I'm on site, but there are a lot of guys in the Marine Hotel (in North Berwick) and the others are in Edinburgh.
"The bubble is spread out and that's not easy. A few months ago we didn't think it would be happening at all so all credit to those who have made it happen."
