Montgomerie ponders Ryder Cup vice-captaincy role

ST ANDREWS, Scotland, Oct 3 (Reuters) Colin Montgomerie says he would consider becoming a vice-captain for Nick Faldo's 2008 European Ryder Cup team, possibly as a playing deputy.

Irishman Paul McGinley resigned from the joint position last month and Montgomerie, a former Ryder Cup playing partner of Faldo's, said today he might be willing to step in.

''I'd be delighted to help the European cause in any way, shape or form, whether it be a player or as an administrative role,'' Montgomerie told reporters at the Dunhill Links tournament.

With Montgomerie determined to play his way into Faldo's team for Valhalla in Kentucky, next September, his role may be dual.

''Playing vice-captain? Could be,'' added the eight-times European number one.

The 44-year-old Scot is being touted as 2010 European Ryder Cup captain and while he believes vice-captains need not be chosen until a month before the event, he agreed that him doing the deputy job might be useful experience for the captaincy.

Montgomerie also spoke about Faldo's leadership last week in the Seve Trophy, in which Britain and Ireland crushed Europe 16-1/2 to 11-1/2 to retain the title.

''He was as I expected Nick to be,'' said Montgomerie. ''He had everything worked out.'' REUTERS BJR PM1824