Faldo expects focus from Ryder hopefuls

Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo has warned his players they cannot afford to ease up even if they think they are already assured of a place in his team.

The likes of Ireland's Graeme McDowell, England's Lee Westwood, Sweden's Robert Karlsson and the Spanish duo of Sergio Garcia and Miguel Angel Jimenez, all look set to feature against America at Valhalla in Kentucky in September.

That would leave seven spots remaining - two of which are captain's picks - but with two majors and one World Golf Championship events still to play before the cut-off date of August 31 the standings could change significantly.

Faldo stressed today that nobody should be relaxing ahead of his final decision after the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles on August 31.

"We all know in golf as soon as you start counting your chickens you get a swift kick up the backside so there will be no complacency," said the six-time major winner.

"The team is shaping up, we are already above expectations in terms of qualifying and they will all be playing hard for the next six weeks.

"My picks may not be decided until right up to the close of play as guys who are winning are a very important part of the Ryder Cup."

As world number one Tiger Woods is out for the rest of the season after knee surgery, Faldo believes there is no better time for one of his Ryder Cup hopefuls to step up in the big events, starting at this week's Open.

"The next bunch of guys must start looking round and when Tiger is off they have to say who is going to make the most of the opportunity?" said the Ryder Cup captain, who turns 51 on Friday.

"The best ability a player can have is when he can make it happen and I think they have a great opportunity for the next three majors."

Faldo also said he expected Garcia to overcome his disappointment of losing a play-off to Padraig Harrington at last year's Open at Carnoustie and could be the one to watch at Birkdale.

"I think Sergio will be inspired by his good friend Rafael Nadal," Faldo told an event with sponsors TaylorMade.

"He just missed out on beating Roger Federer (in the Wimbledon final) last year and we know Sergio missed out last year."

But Faldo was also looking forward to catching up with some other contenders for his team this week.

"I thought this would be a great opportunity to check out some of the guys, have a chat with some of my 'guaranteeds' and have a chat with some others, like Ross Fisher who I have never met," he added.