Monty's the right man: Gallacher

Former Ryder Cup captains Bernard Gallacher and Sam Torrance have thrown their weight behind fellow Scot Colin Montgomerie’s bid to lead Europe in Wales in 2010.

The Ryder Cup committee will announce the new skipper in Dubai tomorrow, with Montgomerie and Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal in the frame.

Gallacher, who was European skipper in 1991, 1993 and 1995, believes Montgomerie is the ideal candidate, both from a playing and business point of view.

“From a business side, Monty would be quite important,” Gallacher told BBC 5 Live.

“He will pull in sponsors and will keep the competition on the front pages for the next two years.”

He added: “I think it is the right decision from a golfing point of view but it is also the right decision for the Ryder Cup.

“In this difficult financial state we are in we cannot take it for certain that it will be a financial success like last Ryder Cups. These are unchartered waters that we are in and Monty will be good for the Ryder Cup.”

At one stage, it appeared all Olazabal, 42, needed to do was put his name forward to land the captaincy, having been vice-captain to Nick Faldo last year.

But his insistence he would rather attempt to qualify as a player opened the door for Montgomerie.

Olazabal’s recent declaration of interest in the role has made today’s decision too close to call.

Gallacher said: “I think the committee felt it was going to be an easy decision but out of the blue Olazabal turned around and said he may want to play on and that has put the cat among the pigeons.”

Montgomerie was also a reluctant candidate, having previously championed the cause of Sandy Lyle as well as insisting he would rather try to qualify for the team.

But he is also now believed to want the captaincy, and 2002 skipper Torrance insists the 45-year-old is the “right man” for the job.

“I was surprised when Monty made the decision that he would be interested in captaining the side but I think 100% he is the right man for the job. He is the right age and wants the job,” Torrance said.

“I think he is a Scot and Wales are fellow Celts and it would make sense for him to do it there.”

Montgomerie would also be a popular choice in Wales having supported the Celtic Manor Wales Open for several years while also designing a course at the resort for owner Terry Matthews.