Harrington holds Ryder key

EUROPEAN captain Bernhard Langer readily admitted that he regarded Pádraig Harrington as one of his key men for the successful defence of the Ryder Cup at Oakland Hills.

Equally, however, the German didn't deny that he was a little worried about the Irishman's form in recent weeks most especially when he failed to make the cut in the BMW International.

He voiced his concerns to Thomas Bjorn, one of his assistant captains, during the early stages of last week's German Masters only to be reassured by the Dane that Pádraig would be alright on the day.