Monty makes Pádraig top man

EUROPEAN Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie has given his most emphatic endorsement yet concerning Pádraig Harrington’s inclusion in his side to face the Americans in this week’s Ryder Cup.

Vice-captain Paul McGinley, who walked all 18 holes with his fellow Dubliner on yesterday’s opening practice day, was equally happy to talk up Harrington’s prospects of enjoying a big Ryder Cup.

Montgomerie has been doing all in his power to rid himself of an irascible personality and we have seen more smiles from the man in the weeks leading up to Celtic Manor than ever crossed his face in close on 30 years as one of the game’s most successful players. But his face visibly hardened when all the criticism he has taken, chiefly in the British media, was raised at yesterday’s press conference.