EUROPEAN TOUR WALES OPEN:PAUL McGINLEY and Thomas Bjorn – high on Colin Montgomerie's wanted list as Ryder Cup vice-captains – would love nothing more than to force him into finding someone else.

And on yesterday’s evidence in the Wales Open at next year’s cup venue Celtic Manor the two still have it in their power to qualify for the side.

Bjorn, out-scoring American captain and playing partner Corey Pavin by six, opened with a five-under-par 66 to share the lead with England’s Dougherty, Scot Alan McLean and 49-year-old South African David Frost.

McGinley, meanwhile, hit back from a triple bogey seven on his second hole and signed for a 68.

“If I don’t make the team I am happy to help, but if I do then I will obviously play,” said 38-year-old Bjorn, whose last appearance was in the 2002 victory at The Belfry.

McGinley was the match-winner that week and was also part of the victorious next two sides, but missed out last year.

With an eye on next year’s attempt to win back the Ryder Cup Montgomerie has made the pair captains for this September’s Vivendi Trophy — the old Seve Trophy – between a Continental Europe side and one from Britain and Ireland.

But McGinley feels exactly the same as the Dane about his number-one cup goal.

“I really want to make the team,” said the 42-year-old, who stood down as an assistant to Nick Faldo because he felt it was a distraction to his playing career. “I think Monty is going to be a great captain and I would love to play under him.

“Monty is going to announce who his vice-captains are going to be after qualifying finishes. Obviously he’s picked myself and Thomas to be involved in the Vivendi and I don’t think you have to put one and one together.

“I’m obviously in his mind somewhere in terms of those four people he’s going to have, but I’m a lot more comfortable trying to make the team this year and whatever happens after that happens.

“That’s when I’ll be able to make a decision, but in the meantime it’s gung-ho trying to make the team.”

Peter Lawrie was the only other Irishman to break par – on 69. Johnny Caldwell and Gary Murphy (72), Michael Hoey (73), Damien McGrane (75) and Shane Lowry (77) all face battles to make the cut.

Lowry, who began his professional career with a six-over 78 last week, is in danger of a second successive missed cut.

“Horrendous — I don’t know what happened,” said the 22-year-old, whose Irish Open victory three weeks ago made him only the third amateur to win a European Tour event.

“I thought I played well in the pro-am, but I never got going. I was in about 10 bunkers and it’s very difficult when you are doing that.”

Montgomerie’s 69 kept him in the hunt for a first top-10 finish for almost a year, Pavin said he got what he deserved. His round included a lost ball on the driveable 15th and he commented: “The course tests everything, but I just wasn’t sharp.”

Frost is trying to become the oldest winner in Tour history. All set to switch to the US Seniors Tour in September, he did not drop a stroke either.

European Open winner Christian Cevaer did not even complete his round. Five over after 12 holes the Frenchman quit because of dizziness.