Ryder Cup: Monty says Stephen Gallacher will have been captain’s ‘first pick’

Colin Montgomerie has expressed his delight at Stephen Gallacher’s inclusion in Europe’s Ryder Cup team and has backed Paul McGinley’s men to retain their title.

Former Ryder Cup skipper Montgomerie knows the course at Gleneagles well and feels Gallacher will shine on the big stage and justify his wild card pick.

The two-time senior major winner, who lives just a few miles away from the Perthshire course, said : “He deserves his place. Paul McGinley had to pick someone on form and he did so.

“He was the first pick I’m sure. He was ahead of Poulter, Westwood and Donald.”

Montgomerie was in charge as Europe beat the USA 14.5-13.5 at Celtic Manor in 2010.

And although he expects another tight contest, the Ryder Cup legend is backing the home side to come out on top.

“It will be close, they always are, but that’s just reality,” he noted.

“I think Europe will just edge it out 15-13, which is close but enough.”