Lyle keen to lead Europe in Wales

Sandy Lyle says he will be putting himself forward to be Europe's Ryder Cup captain for the 2010 match against the United States at Celtic Manor.

Lyle has won the support of Ryder Cup star Colin Montgomerie, who said yesterday that it would be a shame if the Scot, who has won two majors, did not get an opportunity to skipper the European team.

Montgomerie's name has also been linked with the role, but the eight-time European Order of Merit winner would prefer to captain the side at Gleneagles four years later.

"I really appreciate Colin's kind words," said Lyle in a statement. "It means a great deal to me that a man who has been so successful in Ryder Cup competitions should endorse my candidacy as Ryder Cup captain.

"I would be delighted and honoured to take on the challenge of captaining the European team at Celtic Manor in 2010."

Lyle added he was ready for the rough and tumble of being captain.

"You know you will get some knocks, but you don't win majors without being hard inside.

"It's about handling people and all the different types of egos which go around - and the personalities.

"You need to be a leader, I've watched the Ryder Cup for a number of years and was involved at The K Club behind the scenes. Seeing Ian Woosnam get the team going was very inspiring at the time.

"I've known a lot of the Ryder Cup players and I think I've got good feedback off them when been involved. I'll do my best - that's all I can do."

Lyle was criticised in July for walking out of The Open at Birkdale during the bad weather of the first morning.

"I'm thick-skinned, not generally a quitter. Hopefully it won't leave any scars as far as being a Ryder Cup captain."

Jose Maria Olazabal remains the favourite to captain Europe in Wales, but the Spaniard says he would prefer to play.