Colin Montgomerie shows interest in a Ryder Cup captain reprise

The Scot, who guided Europe to victory last year, would be prepared to lead the 2014 team at Gleneagles.

MALAGA // Colin Montgomerie has said he would be prepared to captain the 2014 European Ryder Cup team.

Montgomerie had indicated after leading Europe to victory over the United States last October in Wales that he was not interested in doing the job again.

But former the US Masters champion Sandy Lyle suggested this week to Reuters that Montgomerie would be perfect for the role in Gleneagles, Scotland in 2014.

"I don't know where Sandy is coming from but that's just his own opinion, I suppose," Montgomerie said on the eve of the Andalucian Open, part of the Race to Dubai.

"But whether or not I am captain in 2014 depends on how things go in 2012 and what the committee's feeling are.

"I am just there to support the Tour, as I've always said," Montgomerie added.

"Anyway, I am sure I will be involved because of my affiliation with Gleneagles whatever that might be.

"But if asked again, and because of my involvement for and with the Tour over the years, I would have to accept. Only if they wanted me.

"But they would have to approach me. I wouldn't be approaching them."

Lyle said this week that Montgomerie would be a strong candidate to return as captain in 2014.

"I wouldn't be surprised if Colin gets invited back. He knows the course, the surrounding area, what's needed there and what's not needed," Lyle said.

"I think he would be the man to choose unless someone like Darren Clarke or Paul McGinley feels he is next in line."

Montgomerie has not spoken with Lyle since the former British Open Champion caused a furore at the 2009 Open Championship by accusing him of cheating over an incident during the 2005 Indonesian Open.

Jose Maria Olazabal leads Europe in the US next year.