Cup veteran Gallacher adamant captaincy should go to Irishman

Bernard Gallacher, who held the Ryder Cup captaincy for three events before finally leading Europe to victory in 1995, caused a major surprise yesterday when coming out in favour of Paul McGinley over his fellow Scot Colin Montgomerie in the contest to lead the side at Gleneagles in 2014.

“It was different in my time but in the modern era there are many more potential candidates for the job,” Gallacher told Sky Sports News.

“It’s a one-term appointment now to give other people a chance. I think Colin should stand down and give Paul McGinley a free run because for me he’s the man with the correct credentials for the job.

“In the past, only one name has been put forward and we’ve been able to select captains seamlessly. We’ve had winning teams and I don’t see why we should change things.

“Colin being in the frame has made it almost divisive. I think it’s a shame for our side. You could see from his interview how strongly Rory [McIlroy] feels [about wanting McGinley] and I don’t think he’s just one voice.”

Gallacher also questioned the wisdom of Montgomerie wanting to do the job once again.

“I don’t know what the benefits are for him,” he wondered. “He’s done it, he was a great captain in Wales and won it. It took a lot out of him and he said at the time, ‘that’s it, it’s my time over’.

He lives near Gleneagles but it doesn’t matter where you live. Ian Woosnam wasn’t born in Ireland and he made a great captain in Ireland.”