Monty risks reputation by lobbying for Ryder return

It now seems only Colin Montgomerie can come between Paul McGinley and the captaincy of the 2014 European Ryder Cup team.

The bookmakers have the Irishman as 4/7 favourite followed by Monty (7/4), with Darren Clarke out to 7/1. Such is the level of support for McGinley, he could be unopposed for the final decision in Abu Dhabi today.

But if Montgomerie carries the battle to a vote of the Tournament Committee, he could sway those who have taken to heart the Scot’s view that Europe needs “a big name” to counter the influence of US captain Tom Watson.