Ian Poulter, Nick Faldo's controversial Ryder Cup wildcard, today promised to prove his captain right by adding "flair, passion and excitement" to Europe's defence of their title at Valhalla.

Poulter, whose selection ahead of Darren Clarke caused widespread consternation, said: "I think I'll bring me. I'll bring flair, I'll bring passion, I'll bring excitement, and I'll do my bit for the team. I'm really looking forward to it."

And the colourful Englishman revealed that amid all the furore which had greeted his selection, Clarke had proved particularly supportive.

He said: "Darren was very disappointed but he told me, 'I'm very pleased you made the side and you're very worthy of making the side.' It absolutely means a lot to me. He's a great guy."

Poulter also defended his much-criticised decision not to seek automatic selection by missing the final qualifying event at Gleneagles to play in the US instead. "I'm strong enough to stand by that decision and everybody in the team has been great about it to be honest," he said.

Faldo is also proving a big hit with his team. Newcomer Graeme McDowell, said: "We're kind of on the edge of our seat because we are waiting for his next nugget of wisdom. Nick's really involving everyone and has got a lot of great stuff to offer us."

Paul Casey added: "Nick's just pouring it out, all the stuff he's stored up during the years. I think he's been a great captain so far."