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McIlroy urges selectors to pick McGinley over Monty

Could Colin Montgomerie return as Europe's Ryder Cup captain? © Getty Images

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World No. 1 Rory McIlroy has thrown his full weight behind Paul McGinley's bid to captain the European Ryder Cup team in 2014 - saying Colin Montgomerie "has nothing to gain" by returning.

Reports on Monday indicated that Montgomerie is 'very confident' he will be selected to captain the European team at Gleneagles in two years' time, having previously overseen the narrow success at Celtic Manor in 2010.

With the vote to decide the next captain taking place on Tuesday, McGinley was believed to be the strong favourite for the role ahead of former Open champion Darren Clarke - but Montgomerie has emerged as a surprise candidate, as Europe search for a high profile name to take on United States captain Tom Watson.

McIlroy, however, is adamant McGinley should get the job, saying the Irishman was "the best captain I have ever played under".

"I strongly believe that everyone deserving should get their chance," McIlroy said, speaking at his unveiling as a Nike athlete.

"I played under Paul in the Seve Trophy in 2009 and I thought he did an unbelievable job - out of every captain I've played under I feel he's been the best, he brought a lot to the team room.

"I personally don't feel Monty has anything to gain from this, if we go to Gleneagles and lose he's already a winning Ryder Cup captain so as I said I'm fully behind Paul and I hope he gets the job.

"It's just the small details, he doesn't leave any stone unturned, he gives confidence to the team room.

"Even when he's been a vice captain in the two Ryder Cups I've played he's always brought a lot of great ideas and I just think he'd make a really good captain."

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