Harrington backs Smyth to captain Europe’s Ryder Cup team

DESPITE the plethora of high-profile candidates in the ring, multiple heroes such as Nick Faldo, Bernard Langer, Colin Montgomerie, Pádraig Harrington still backs local man Des Smyth for the job of Ryder Cup captaincy when that event comes to Ireland in 2007.

“Yes, he would make a great Ryder Cup captain,” said the world number 9 in Portmarnock yesterday, where he was wrapping up preparations for the Irish Open.

“Not just because he’s an Irishman but because of his 25 years service to the European Tour. If you look back over that period, he’s always been the best example of the Tour pro, he’s always been a perfect representative for any player coming out on Tour. He’s been a very successful professional, hasn’t quite had the glory of majors or things like that, but he is what the European Tour professional is all about. He is the perfect role model.