Colin Montgomerie has backed Sandy Lyle to captain Europe in the 2010 Ryder Cup and has also admitted he has ambitions to lead the team in the future.
Celtic Manor in south Wales will host next year's event as Europe look to wrest back the trophy from the USA who enjoyed a comprehensive victory at Valhalla in September which saw captain Nick Faldo come in for some crushing criticism.
Lyle, the 1985 Open and 1988 US Masters champion, could face a challenge for the captaincy from Ian Woosnam, who led the team to victory in 2006, but he has stated his desire for the role and Montgomerie has backed the Scot.
Montgomerie told Sportsweek on BBC Radio Five Live: "I'd choose Sandy Lyle if I had the casting vote. It would be a shame of all that big side we had of (Bernhard) Langer and Seve (Ballesteros) and Faldo and Woosnam, if Sandy Lyle missed out."
Lyle quit last year's Open at Royal Birkdale after just 10 holes, later blaming a hand injury for his early withdrawal, but Montgomerie believes this should not adversely affect the 50-year-old's selection chances.
"I think you are talking to someone who sometimes regrets what I've done throughout my career," he continued.
"In every sporting arena there are people who regret what they have done and I'm sure he does walking off at the Open but that shouldn't affect him over his entire career.
"One so-called mistake shouldn't affect him as a Ryder Cup captain and the respect he has from the rest of the players.
"What is vital when it comes to a captaincy is the team respect him and I'm sure we all do."
The 45-year-old also revealed his ambition to captain Europe in the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles
"I would expect to (become captain one day) but one never knows when one has to be selected as part of committees and stuff," the Scot continued.
"I hope to but you never know.
"There is wrong time at the wrong place and the right time at the right place. I just hope I am in the right place come 2014 when it comes home here to Scotland."
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