Golf: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 major titles, 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 and still carries hopes of playing on the Euroepan team at Celtic Manor.

"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."

The 1985 British Open and 1988 US Masters champion was responding to Montgomerie's comments yesterday at the Belfry in which he said that his 50-year-old fellow Scotsman should follow peers Ian Woosnam and Nick Faldo as a Ryder Cup skipper.
   
"It would be a shame if Sandy doesn't get the chance," Montgomerie said. "I think it would be only fitting if he does the job at Celtic Manor, as his four major colleagues have all done it."
   
The Scot was also referring to Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer, both of whom skippered victorious European teams.
   
Jose Maria Olazabal remains the favourite to captain Europe in Wales, but the Spaniard says he would prefer to play.
 
The United States hold the trophy for the first time since their 1999 victory after winning 16.5-11.5 in Valhalla last weekend.