Langer offers to help out

Bernhard Langer has offered his help to European captain Ian Woosnam as the Ryder Cup at The K Club draws closer.

Langer led Europe to a record victory over the United States at Oakland Hills in 2004, Colin Montgomerie holing the winning putt in a stunning 18½ to 9½ triumph.

Woosnam has the unenviable task of following in the German's footsteps in September, and just six weeks remain before the 12-man team is finalised at the end of the BMW International in Munich on September 3rd.

Langer had harboured hopes of making the team himself for the 11th time but never looked like making it from his reduced playing schedule in America, but would still love to play a part in Europe retaining the trophy.

"Ian hasn't approached me and I haven't seen him for many months actually," said the 48-year-old Langer. "I briefly ran into him at the Masters but there was not much talk about the Ryder Cup.

"If he wants to talk to me I'm definitely available. Whatever I can do I'd love to help make the team do the best they can and win again and keep the cup in Europe.

"But it's up to him. If he feels he wants to talk or ask something I'd be very happy to pass that on, but if he thinks he's got it all and doesn't need any help then that's his call."

Europe are currently odds-on favourites with most bookmakers and have a stronger looking line up as things stand. Although the likes of Darren Clarke, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Thomas Bjorn and Miguel Angel Jimenez are not in the team at present, the European side features only one rookie in Sweden's Henrik Stenson. In contrast there are four rookies in the American top 10: JJ Henry, Zach Johnson, Brett Wetterich and John Rollins.

But Langer added: "A lot of stuff could still happen. There are some big names not on our team but things can still change. There are still some big tournaments and the two wild cards will have an impact too."