Monty upbeat about Ryder chances

Colin Montgomerie‘s agent expects the former European number one to overcome his back problems and line-up for Europe in the Ryder Cup.

Montgomerie cast fresh doubt upon his participation in the forthcoming contest at The Belfry despite a top-10 finish in the €2.8m Linde German Masters yesterday.

He revealed he was still troubled by a season-long back injury and would pull out of the contest in 11 days’ time if the did not feel he could play in all five series of matches.

“I have to be able to play five times and I’m not sure I can,” said Montgomerie. “My gut feeling is I am going but it got quite painful at the end. The pain is tiring.”

But Montgomerie‘s agent Guy Kinnings today stressed the 39-year-old Scot had been more positive about his prospects of playing this morning.

He will let European captain Sam Torrance know for definite after the American Express Championships in Ireland this week.

“I spoke to him (Montgomerie) this morning and he was actually upbeat about it,” said Kinnings. “At the moment his intention is definitely to play in the Ryder Cup.

“I expect he will confirm with Sam (Torrance) on Sunday night after he has played in Ireland.”