Jose Maria Olazabal has asked for more time before deciding whether he will captain the European team in the 2010 Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor.
The Spaniard, who was Nick Faldo's deputy as Europe surrendered the Ryder Cup to the United States in Valhalla last September, has previously been non-committal on the leadership role but appears to be warming to the idea despite suffering defeat in his first experience as captain.
The 42-year-old oversaw Europe's 10-6 loss to Asia in The Royal Trophy, stepping in for close friend and compatriot Seve Ballesteros - the 1997 Ryder Cup captain and victorious Royal Trophy skipper in 2006 and 2007 - who is recovering from surgery on a brain tumour.
But Europe's first defeat in the continental contest at Amata Spring Country Club near Bangkok has not dented his ambition to follow in the footsteps of Ballesteros in the biennial showdown with the United States.
"I would love to be considered, I'm not going to deny that," said Olazabal, who has been battling rheumatism in recent years.
"I've never denied that being captain of the Ryder Cup is something really special, it's a privilege, but it's always been like that."
His latest comments are likely to come as a boost to the European Tour's 15-man tournament committee, who meet in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
On the agenda is the subject of Faldo's successor, with Olazabal reportedly top of their wish list ahead of Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam, the winning skipper at the K Club in 2006.
But Olazabal, who made his Ryder Cup debut as a 21-year-old in 1987, stressed he would like to bid to make the team for an eighth time before committing to the top job.
"I would love to be playing - if these guys allow me," he added.
"I think maybe it is too soon (to be captain) but time will tell."
With the two-time Masters champion preferring to wait, any decision could be delayed until the committee meet again in May during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
Olazabal certainly has the support of the players.
Soren Hansen, who was undefeated in The Royal Trophy, made his Ryder Cup debut under Faldo in Kentucky and has now played under Olazabal on two occasions.
"Olly has been a great captain," the Dane said.
"Olly has been great this week. He was great as an assistant to Faldo at The Ryder Cup and I would love to play under him in the future."
England's Nick Dougherty concurred.
"Olly is going to be a very worthy Ryder Cup captain one day," the 26-year-old said.
"Everything he does is class - his motivation, the way he handles people, everything."
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