Monty tips Woosnam

Monty and Woosnam: Former Ryder Cup team-mates

Colin Montgomerie believes Ian Woosnam is likely to be Europe's next Ryder Cup captain.

"It's a battle between Ian Woosnam and Bernhard Langer at this stage," Montgomerie told Radio Four's Today programme.

"Usually it goes to the current vice-captain, which would be Ian Woosnam."

Woosnam eyes Ryder Cup captain's job

Montgomerie, who turns 40 next year, also reiterated his own desire to carry on playing.

"What I'd like to do is obviously maintain what I have for the next five years.

"And that means improving, to be honest because the standard of golf is improving.

Majors are more difficult now that Tiger Woods has entered them

Colin Montgomerie

"If I thought that my best golf was behind me, then I would pack it in - and I don't want to do that."

Montgomerie said that it was the competitive aspect of golf that motivates him to continue playing.

"What I am is a competitive being, like most sportsmen, and that's what keeps me going.

"Competition is the thrill for me - it's not actually the game of golf, to be honest."

The Scot, who has yet to win a Major, is philosophical about landing one of golf's biggest prizes.

"Majors are more difficult now that Tiger Woods has entered them," said Montgomerie.

"I'll just go along, doing my bit, and if I get fortunate in a Major, hopefully I can take that fortune.

"But if not, it won't change my life - it won't change me in any shape or form."