Colin Montgomerie calls for Ryder Cup push from Scots

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Tough choices ahead - Montgomery

European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie would love to see some of his fellow Scots make a late push for inclusion in his team.

At 29th on the world points list, Richie Ramsay is highest ranked Scot in the race for a spot at October's event.

"I was so glad to see Stephen Gallacher and Paul Lawrie show great form at the PGA Championship," said Montgomerie.

"It's been a long time since we had two Scots finish in the top six in our flagship event."

There were no Scots in the 2008 Ryder Cup and it would be a huge surprise if that was to change at the Celtic Manor in Wales in October.

However, Montgomerie, who played in eight contests against the USA - never losing a singles match, has given his compatriots a rallying call.

"Let's hope that form can continue, along with the rest of the talent we have in Scotland," he told BBC Scotland.

"They can say 'OK, it's possible, do it again and show Monty that we are good enough to contend for places'.

"And the same goes for Rhys Davies, Bradley Dredge and Stephen Dodd in Wales.

I had a perfect 12 when I got the job but the standard is so good now that my B team could beat my A team Colin Montgomerie

"I'd love a Welshman to be playing in Wales. It would be great.

"So, I look forward to golfers from both countries doing as well as possible."

Montgomerie will have three captain's picks to make this year, up from the two of previous contests.

Under the new system, five players will be selected from the European money list and four from the world rankings.

"I've got a very difficult decision to make," added Montgomerie. "I think there should be about seven or eight guys that are anticipating playing and I can only pick three of them.

"So that's five very difficult phone calls to make and three very good ones.

"I had a perfect 12 when I got the job but the standard is so good now that my B team could beat my A team.

"I've got 24 guys who could play in this Ryder Cup and that's the beauty of it, but it also makes the choices difficult.

"This has been the busiest year of my life but I'm enjoying the responsibility of the role and I'm a great believer in if you enjoy something, you are usually quite good at it.

"It's more than I expected. Of course, it's a great honour and then it becomes a responsibility.

"When you think of the economic times we are in, a home win for Europe is most important for our Tour.

"And let's hope we can regain it. I think sometimes regaining something is better than retaining it."