Jose Maria Olazabal will be part of Colin Montgomerie's backroom staff at Celtic Manor but it remains to be seen if the legendary Spaniard will captain Europe in the future.
Montgomerie, 45, was named as Nick Faldo's successor in Dubai and the Scot quickly confirmed Olazabal will join him in Wales after the two-time Masters winner was overlooked due to his poor health.
Olazabal's recent battles with rheumatism have limited the 42-year-old to only three tournaments in the last eight months and he is expected to take charge in Chicago in 2012 after impressing as Faldo's vice-captain at Valhalla, despite the five-point defeat.
But questions over his health stopped Europe's tournament committee unveiling Olazabal for the trip across the Atlantic at the same as confirming Montgomerie's 2010 captaincy.
Montgomerie said: "I think it's quite obvious Jose Maria will be part of my team at Celtic Manor. I have a great understanding and respect for him.
"We first came together in 1984 in the British Amateur final and it's amazing how the two of us have gone forward in this game from that date.
"Let's hope Olly's health does not stop him ever becoming captain.
"From what I have heard from Valhalla, he was fantastic in the team room and I have great respect for him and he is the favoured candidate for 2012, so long as his health does not deteriorate to any degree, and let's hope and pray not.
"It might have been a double announcement this time but I don't think Jose Maria was in a position to say yes at this stage, but who says he will not be in a position to say yes in two years' time, but as this stage he probably isn't as he is unaware of his health issues at this time."
Montgomerie also confirmed Thomas Bjorn, who is chairman of the player's committee who appointed him, will also have a role in his team at Celtic Manor should the Dane fail to qualify as a player.
Bjorn, 37, was part of the victorious Ryder Cup teams in 1997 and 2002 but is now ranked 213th in the world.
"I do respect him," said Montgomerie. "He did a wonderful job under Bernhard Langer in 2004 as a captain's assistant and I would hope to use Thomas, if he doesn't quality for the team, in any way, shape or form."
Montgomerie is expected to name more than one vice-captain for Celtic Manor after Faldo drew criticism for only using Olazabal last year, while United States captain Paul Azinger had three.
He added: "It is difficult to judge the backroom team as I wasn't there but my optimum number is more than we had last time."
Azinger also had four captain's picks last year and the question whether to increase the number available to Montgomerie will be discussed at the next committee meeting in Ireland in May.
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COLIN MONTGOMERIE FACTFILE
