County legends eye big Ryder job

Shropshire golf legends Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam have both thrown their hat in the ring to become European captain for the 2010 Ryder Cup in Wales.

The former county colleagues have both indicated they would be interested in succeeding Nick Faldo and attempt to win the cup back from America at Celtic Manor.

And Lyle's chances have received an early boost with Colin Montgomerie endorsing the Shrewsbury-born 50-year-old's bid to secure the job.

"It's an opportunity which only comes once in a lifetime to anybody, so the nice comments from Colin are inspiring," said Lyle.

"It's about handling people and all the different types of egos which go around - and the personalities.

"You need to be a leader, I've watched the Ryder Cup for a number of years and was involved at The K Club behind the scenes.

"Seeing Ian Woosnam get the team going was very inspiring at the time. I've known a lot of the Ryder Cup players and I think I've got good feedback off them when been involved. I'll do my best - that's all I can do."

Meanwhile, Oswestry-born Woosnam has revealed he would be tempted by a return to the role after guiding Europe to success in Ireland two years ago.

"If the players and committee wanted me to come back it would be nice to do it in Wales," he said. "It might be the right time to do it and it would be nice to fetch the cup back."