Colin Montgomerie's Europe take on the United States in the biennial Ryder Cup at Celtic Manor, south Wales, from 1-3 October. Monty's men are hoping to avenge the 16½-11½ defeat inflicted upon Nick Faldo's side two years ago. Here's the line-up...
Lee Westwood. England. Age: 37 Caps: 6 Record: W14 L10 H5. World number three has had four top threes in last six majors. A Ryder Cup talisman, but struggling with a calf injury. "A tough battler. Best driver in the world. Consistent long game" - Ken Brown
Rory McIlroy. Northern Ireland. Age: 21 Caps: 0. Third in last two majors and won first US title this year. "Flamboyant. When he’s, on he’s almost unbeatable. Aggressive, attacking style. Bags of confidence. Game ideal for matchplay" - Ken Brown
Martin Kaymer. Germany. Age: 25 Caps: 0. Underlined huge potential with maiden major victory at USPGA. Taken to Valhalla as non-playing observer by captain Nick Faldo in 2008. "High confidence, good putter. Consistent, steely, controlled" - Ken Brown
Graeme McDowell. Northern Ireland. Age: 31 Caps: 1 Record: W2 L1 H1. Won US Open in June for first major title. Key member of team in 2008. "After US success won’t be frightened of anything. Flashes of brilliance and thrives on matchplay" - Ken Brown
Ian Poulter. England. Age: 34 Caps: 2 Record: W5 L2 H0. Top European scorer as wildcard in 2008 & won WGC Match Play in US this year. "Loves whole Ryder Cup experience. Some dissolve in competition but he looks forward. A steely player" - Ken Brown
Ross Fisher. England. Age: 29 Caps: 0. Close in two majors in 2009 and won Irish Open in August after slow start to year. November's World Match Play win bodes well for Ryder Cup. "Enjoys matchplay. Big hitter, aggressive, lots of birdies" - Ken Brown
Francesco Molinari. Italy. Age: 27 Caps: 0. Solid season in Europe and will join up with older brother Edoardo at Celtic Manor. The pair won the World Cup together last year. "Relentlessly consistent. Very reliable and has improved his putting" - Ken Brown
Peter Hanson. Sweden. Age: 32 Caps: 0. Unsung, but has won twice this year to force himself into the European side by right and maintain strong Swedish tradition in team. "Wonderful driver. Has added steady tee-to-green shots. Good form" - Ken Brown
Miguel Angel Jimenez. Spain. Age: 46 Caps: 3 Record: W2 L7 H3. Won twice in Europe this year and clung to final automatic spot in Gleneagles. "A pro's pro. Huge experience. Steady tee to green. Loved by all team members. Great competitor" - Ken Brown
Padraig Harrington. Ireland. Age: 38 Caps: 5 Record: W7 L11 H3. Three-time major champion, though needed wildcard. Ryder Cup form lacking in recent years."Steady rather than brilliant. Real grafter – gives 100%. Magical chipper and putter" - Ken Brown
Luke Donald. England. Age: 32 Caps: 2. Record: W5 L1 H1. Missed out through injury in 2008 but glimpses of form in US and win in Madrid sealed wildcard spot. "Ultimate in consistency, terrific short game. Ideal for foursomes" - Ken Brown
Edoardo Molinari. Italy. Age: 29 Caps: 0. Sealed wildcard spot with stunning birdie, birdie, birdie finish to win final qualifying event for second title in two months. "He is the type of player we need to regain the Ryder Cup" - Colin Montgomerie
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