Sunday, April 23 2006 13:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Shanghai: England's Paul Casey has joined calls for Colin Montgomerie to be made Ryder Cup captain, saying he would be a perfect choice to lead the team.

With Ian Woosnam captaining the European side against the Americans later this year and Nick Faldo lined up for 2008, 2010 would be the earliest chance for the veteran Scot to take on the role.

"I think he'd be a wonderful captain," said Casey, who is hoping to be in the team for the showdown in September at the K Club outside Dublin.

"I know it is not the same level, but I played for Monty in the Seve Trophy last year and he has been a fabulous captain for that.

"But there are a lot of other European players to choose so it is a tough selection."

Montgomerie, a key member of the last seven European Ryder Cup sides, has made it clear he wants to be considered as a captain at some point.

He currently leads the European points list and is guaranteed automatic qualification for the team this year and hopes to do the same in 2008, before being involved off the course in 2010.

"All I am focused on is trying to aid European success, be it on the course or off it," he said in Shanghai, where he is competing in the European-sanctioned BMW Asian Open.