Darren Clarke believes Colin Montgomerie's superb record in the Ryder Cup made him the ideal candidate for the position of European captain.
Montgomerie was announced this afternoon as Europe's captain for the 2010 competition, which will take place at the Celtic Manor resort in Wales.
He will be charged with the task of regaining the trophy after Europe lost 16.5-11.5 to America in Valhalla last year to bring Europe's nine-year hold on the trophy to an end.
Clarke was part of the 15-man committee which unanimously selected Montgomerie on Wednesday.
The Ulsterman missed out last year but has played five times in the competition and starred in Europe's nine-point win at the K Club in 2006.
Montgomerie has won 23.5 points as a Ryder Cup player, just 1.5 points behind the record held by Nick Faldo, and Clarke believes this will help him captain the team in Wales.
"He's got an incredible record in the Ryder Cup; he's been the Ryder Cup talisman for many years," Clarke told Setanta Sports News.
"He'll be very player-orientated; he'll take a keen interest in how the players are doing. The fact that he'll be captaining the tour, playing in the team will be an added bonus."
Jose Maria Olazabal's ongoing fitness battle meant he missed out on the chance to lead the Ryder Cup team.
"He's been battling for fitness for quite some time and I'm sure, if Monty asked him, he'd be only too pleased to help out.
"We just hope Jose Maria continues his way back to full health."
Oliver Wilson believes Montgomerie can develop a closer bond with his players than predecessor Nick Faldo.
"He's got a lot of experience and I think the second best Ryder Cup record in the European team's history, but the best thing will be his communication to all the players," Wilson told Sky Sports News.
"Anyone who makes the team will know him really well. Everyone's going to be comfortable with him. He's going to be able to talk to everyone, bring everyone together and put everyone in the right frame of mind.
"Faldo and Montgomerie have two very different personalities," he added.
"Monty is going to be more communicative with the players. Everyone will know him better than Faldo and they may be more comfortable with him because he is younger.
"For me, Nick Faldo was a legend of the game.
"I grew up watching him but I never played alongside him whereas with Colin I have played alongside him for four or five years so I have got to know him and I would feel more comfortable with him just because I have known him for so long and for me that's the best thing.
"That's how I feel and I'm sure it will be the same for anyone else coming into the team."
Ian Poulter admits he and Montgomerie "have had our little ding-dongs" - but he expects Europe's new Ryder Cup captain to be inspirational in the role.
"His record is very impressive in the Ryder Cup, and it's something people respect highly," Poulter said.
"He will be able to perform under pressure because he always has - I can't see why he would be any different as captain.
"We've had our little ding-dongs, but he is such a great person - and as captain, you would perform for him. He'd have great respect from everyone, and you'd expect him to get the best out of you."
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