Paul McGinley today stood down as an assistant to Ryder Cup captain Nick Faldo, preferring to focus instead on playing his way into the team for next year's match in Valhalla.

McGinley and Jose Maria Olazabal, two members of last year's winning side, were named as Faldo's two deputies in May, with the Dubliner commenting what an "honour" it was to be asked.

But in the four months since McGinley has had time to reflect on his decision and despite his recent loss of form - he is only 70th on the Order of Merit this season and has tumbled to 183rd in the world - clearly still wants to be part of the 2008 side in Louisville.

There had been suggestions of Faldo snubbing McGinley ahead of this week's Seve Trophy by naming England's Simon Dyson and Scot Marc Warren as his two wild cards, a move that means there will be no Irish player present at the Herigtage in Co Laois,

However, in a statement released through the European Tour, McGinley made no reference of any falling out with Faldo.

"It was a great honour to be picked by Nick, but on reflection, and after careful consideration, I feel it's in my best interest to concentrate on playing myself into the team, which I said from the outset was my first objective," he explained.

"I've played the last three matches and I want to play at Valhalla. I've been very fortunate — I've played three Ryder Cups, won all three, two by record margin's, under three great captains (Sam Torrance, Bernhard Langer and Ian Woosnam) and now I want to play for Nick and bring the cup back to Europe again."

Richard Hills, Europe's Ryder Cup director, said: "We fully respect Paul's decision to concentrate on retaining his European Ryder Cup status for a fourth successive time.

"He has a 100 per cent record as each time he has played Europe has won and, of course, he holed the winning putt in 2002 and remains unbeaten in the singles.

"Paul's credentials are outstanding and with the qualification for Valhalla now having started we wish him every success in his quest to be a playing member of Nick Faldo's team."

McGinley commented at the time of his appointment: "The main thing is that I want to play in this one, but I'm thrilled that I'll be involved one way or another.

"I did think about it and asked some people's advice as my fear was losing the focus on my own game. Once I got that right in my head I was more than delighted to go ahead."

The 40-year-old has clearly been doing a lot of re-thinking since, however.

"I spoke to him about two weeks ago," added Faldo, "and asked him if he wanted to come to Valhalla with me (on a planning trip next month), but he said he couldn't.

"I spoke to him again last week and again this morning. He took two weeks to think about it and said 'I really want to play, Nick'. We had that agreement. That's his priority."

Asked if McGinley was apologetic Faldo said: "Yes. We chat well together. I'd seen the rumblings and good luck to him if he wants to play. If that's his priority then that's absolutely fine with me."

He added that the door could well remain open to McGinley to return at some point next year if he does not rediscover his game and is not in contention for a place in the team.

Aware that he might lose Olazabal as well if he finds form and fitness — he misses this week's match because of a knee injury — Faldo conceded: "I might have to start again. I have big enough shoulders."