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Monty and Westwood back Olazabal for captaincy

Jose Maria Olazabal is 'inspirational' © Getty Images

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Colin Montgomerie has given a huge indication of whom his successor is likely to be as Europe's Ryder Cup captain, revealing Jose Maria Olazabal is "everybody's choice".

Montgomerie led his side to a nervy 14½-13½ victory over USA on Monday, and then confirmed he will step down from his role when Europe attempt to defend the trophy in Chicago in two years' time.

Asked if he was tempted to stay on for the experience of leading a team onto American soil, Montgomerie replied on Sky Sports: "Not even a little bit - I'm sorry! The baton will be passed to one of my vice-captains in two years' time when we try to defend this wonderful trophy.

"That's it for me with the Ryder Cup, unless of course I try to qualify myself to play. I go back to the Tour and enjoy what I have left of my playing career. I've got five years left until I'm 52 and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it."

Montgomerie's decision to stand down sparks question marks over who should replace him, and the Scot is not alone in championing the cause of Olazabal. A veteran of eight Ryder Cups as either a player or vice-captain, the Spaniard gets the backing of both Montgomerie and Lee Westwood.

"He's now 45, it's a young man's game now," explained Montgomerie. "I'm 47, and that's young to be a captain. He'll be 47 in two years' time, and the passion that he brings to any team room... he's everybody's choice to retain this trophy in two years' time.

"We both played eight Ryder Cups (sic), a lot of them together, and I'm sure he'll do as good a job - if not better - than I did. We just wish him well, and the team well, to retain the trophy in two years' time."

Westwood added: "I think it's time Jose Maria Olazabal had a go. He's had a few experiences of almost being captain, he'd make a fantastic captain, he's very inspirational. He gets everybody onside. He's played several Ryder Cups and he's played with Seve [Ballesteros], so he's picked up his passion and he just imparts that on a team."

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