Monty earns US praise as Europe's new captain

American players applauded Colin Montgomerie's appointment as European Ryder Cup captain for 2010, with Phil Mickelson backing the Briton to be a great leader.

Montgomerie, eight-times the European number one, was formally handed the task of winning the trophy back from the United States on the eve of the Dubai Desert Classic.

"He knows what it takes to win," Mickelson told reporters ahead of this week's Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, Arizona where he is a twice former champion.

"He's been on many winning teams and he's tough. He's obviously going to be a great captain."

Corey Pavin, who will lead the US team at the Celtic Manor resort in Wales next year, congratulated Montgomerie.

"We have known each other for quite a long time and have competed against each other in a few matches," he said in a statement.

"I am sure Monty will represent Europe very well."

Pavin, who compiled an 8-5 record as a Ryder Cup player, came up against Montgomerie three times in the biennial team competition, losing twice and winning once.

Montgomerie, with 23½ points, is third on Europe's all-time list of leading points scorers and is unbeaten in eight singles matches since making his debut at Kiawah Island in 1991.

While Mickelson was generous in his praise of the Scot's captaincy credentials, he was more eager to savour the memories of the US Ryder Cup triumph in Kentucky in September.

The Americans clinched the prized trophy for the first time in nine years, beating Europe by 16½ points to 11½ at the Valhalla Golf Club.

"We have another two years to just kind of relish our victory," the three-times major winner said.

"We've taken it on the chin for so long that who captains and who plays and all that stuff is pretty far removed.

"I understand the need to change the subject on who won and lost the last Ryder Cup. But forget it, we've been there. I've been there.

"We're holding the Ryder Cup and enjoying it right now," added Mickelson, who has played on seven US teams against Europe.

The 2010 Ryder Cup will be played from October 1-3.