Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts and Australian Cameron John share a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

The 41-year-old Colsaerts carded a seven-under 65 at Carnoustie to top the leaderboard on 14 under alongside John, who shot 68 at St Andrews.

Former Ryder Cup player Colsaerts went into the tournament ranked 695th in the world, while John, playing just his seventh DP World Tour event, is down in 1,007th spot.

“The stage I’m at, the way I see this profession and my career, I’m just happy to be here,” said Colsaerts, whose round included eight birdies and just one bogey.

John, 23, said: “It’s just fun. You don’t get it [links courses] a lot back home, maybe the odd course that plays similar but nothing quite the same.

“Walking up 18 at St Andrews, it’s always pretty special, so just remember it.”