Montgomerie a must for the Ryder Cup, says Harrington

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Padraig Harrington believes Colin Montgomerie should get a Ryder Cup wild card from captain Nick Faldo if he does not make the team by right.

The double Open Champion stepped into the debate over the last remaining European places, saying: ‘Now that I am in the team, I hope to tee it up with Monty at the Ryder Cup. I look forward to playing with anyone but it would certainly be a pick of mine to choose Monty.’

Faldo will be taking a European side looking to win a record fourth straight contest at Valhalla in Kentucky from September 19-21.

One thing that might count in Montgomerie’s favour if he does not qualify over the remaining five events is what happened the last time the contest was staged in America.

United States captain Hal Sutton sent out Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, on the first morning in the clear expectation that they would beat anyone put in front of them.

But Monty and Harrington had other ideas, their 2&1 success setting the tone for the entire record-breaking victory. However, the pair were less successful at the K Club in Ireland two years ago, when they lost their only match together to Woods and Jim Furyk.

Harrington believes that you can discount the Scot’s poor form in the qualifying campaign.

‘He is a totally different man when it comes to the Ryder Cup,’ he argued. ‘I think any player who tees it up with Monty will think they can take on anyone.’

The Irishman might be the one with two Opens to his name, but he still believes no one assumes the role of playing captain like the 45-year-old Montgomerie.

‘I still feel it is his job, at least for this Ryder Cup,’ he said. ‘No one is better than Monty at being out front and leading.’