IAN WOOSNAM MUST RYDE HIGH

IAN WOOSNAM must play a leading role when Europe bid to regain the Ryder Cup in his homeland next year.

That's the view of Peter Alliss, the BBC's voice of golf, who insists Woosie should be made vice-captain for the showdown at Celtic Manor.

The European players' tournament committee meet in Abu Dhabi this week to begin the selection process for the next captain, with Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal favourite for the job.

Woosnam, 50, skippered the European team at the K Club in Ireland in 2006 and though has thrown his hat into the ring to do it again this time, the trend is that no one gets the job twice.

But he could be named vice-captain to make the most of a hugely-emotional occasion for the Welsh.

Alliss said: "Ideally, the captain should come from Wales but I can't see this happening as it would go against the grain to ask Ian to do it again for the sake of being a Welshman.

"A lot of patriotism comes into the argument and let's not forget the Americans are poor winners and poor losers.

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"They do neither graciously nor stylishly, so we must lock into all that Welsh spirit to help us regain the trophy.

"Olazabal will be a good choice if he doesn't want to play himself.

"But this tournament will be all about Welsh fervour, passion, emotion and enthusiasm - and Ollie doesn't smile a lot.

"So why not appoint Woosnam as vice-captain? It makes sense to have him involved so we won't miss out on the local fervour and patriotism.

"They are already making a great thing of hosting the cup and having a local man in there would prove very popular."

Sandy Lyle, Paul Lawrie, Thomas Bjorn and Miguel Angel Jimenez are the other contenders to succeed Nick Faldo, whose team were beaten 16½-11½ by the Americans in Valhalla last September.

Alliss added: "I don't know why Lyle has been passed by but he probably won't ever be a Ryder Cup captain now."

"Jose Maria is well respected and the players spoke very highly of his motivational skills in helping NIck Faldo. He has a very sharp mind."

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