ABU DHABI: The Ryder Cup captaincy debate heated up on the eve of today’s decision process in Abu Dhabi with world No.1 Rory McIlroy backing Paul McGinley as the captain in 2014.

The Tournament Players Committee will meet in the UAE capital to decide a successor to Jose Maria Olazabal and with McGinley now favourite to become the first-ever Irish born captain in the 85-year history of the Ryder Cup.

With Darren Clarke now likely not to contest the vote, McGinley’s only other rival is victorious 2010 captain, Colin Montgomerie but with many in Abu Dhabi believing the Scot is now selfishly standing in McGinley’s road to the captaincy given a non-written Tour policy of not appointing former captains.

“I strongly believe everyone deserves to get their chance of being captain, and I played under Paul at the Seve Trophy in 2009 and I thought he did an unbelievable job,” said McIlroy who also has the support of golfers like Luke Donald.

“Out of any captain I have played under I feel that he would be the best as he brings a lot to the team room.

“And personally, I don’t think Monty has anything to gain by this as if we go to Gleneagles and we lose as he’s already a winning Ryder Cup captain so I am fully behind Paul and he should get the job.

“It’s the small details that makes Paul such a good choice as he doesn’t leave any stone unturned and he just instils confidence in the team room.

“I just had a great experience playing under him and when he was twice a vice captain in the Ryder Cups I’ve played, he’s always brought a lot ideas and that he would make a really great captain.”

Montgomerie once again voiced his delight in hopefully being reappointed European captain last Sunday night and just prior to leaving Durban where he had competed in the Volvo Champions event.

“It will be good to get the captaincy decision out of the way on Tuesday night now that America has their captain in place, so it’s about time we appointed ours so everyone can concentrate on other things,” said the Scot.

“But it is flattering to be associated with doing the job again.” — AFP

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