Colin Montgomerie is so desperate to be a part of Europe's defence of the Ryder Cup that he is willing to work as a humble backroom assistant if he fails to qualify for the team.

Ahead of this week's Open Championship at Royal Birkdale, Montgomerie's form - just one top 10 finish in his last 11 events has seen him crash to 81st place in the world rankings - suggests the veteran Scot is unlikely to play his way into Nick Faldo's side. And while Faldo is well aware that Montgomerie's Ryder Cup record is so formidable that his mere presence at Valhalla in September would serve to intimidate the American opposition, he is unlikely to give him one of his two captain's picks unless he is back in contention for Tour titles.

Montgomerie said: "My job is always to help the European cause. Some say if I play this year and get a point and a half I'd beat Faldo's record as top scorer.

"But that means absolutely nothing to me. My personal record in the Ryder Cup means bugger all and always has.

"I would be gaining a point and a half for Europe, not Montgomerie.

"I have only ever tried to help Europe so if I don't make the team and that call comes to be an assistant I would love to aid the team's cause.

"I hope I could offer something with my experience. If one of the rookies comes up for a chat or whatever, then that's why I would be there."

But Montgomerie, who has made eight Ryder Cup appearances, added: "I'd like to think I will still be there in a playing capacity.

"It's a case of timing your run because Faldo has said he's watching from now on so there are worse times to hit form. With all respect, to win in India and wherever we have been in January and February is great but this is the time to really start performing. "It is getting tougher all the time to qualify and it should be. I'm 45 now and if I make the team I'll be the oldest member - again.

"But the Ryder Cup is a lot about experience and how you can handle yourself come Friday morning."