Harrington backs 'hard nut' Donald to crack Ryder Cup

Europe's Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald is a "hard nut" who has always been underestimated, according to his predecessor Padraig Harrington.

Donald has the task of regaining the trophy in Rome at the end of the month after Harrington's side suffered a record 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits two years ago.

And Harrington believes the softly-spoken Englishman has a very strong side at his disposal with Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland all ranked in the world's top four.

"He's a strong character. I think people underestimated Luke all his life and he loves that too," Harrington said of Donald ahead of the Horizon Irish Open at The K Club.

"You don't get to world number one, you don't do what he's done in the game of golf without being a hard nut underneath.

"Just because he's quiet people don't understand. He has that team well motivated. I saw him as vice-captain and he was great. I was very impressed with him and believed he would be a great captain and I'm very comfortable to pass on the baton.

"I believe he's doing a great job from what I hear and see and he's not quiet in the team room. He will have those guys ready to go.

"I think Europe is very strong this year. I believe we're back to the 80s, Seve's (Ballesteros) time, Bernhard Langer's time, where our best players are actually the best players in the world.

"I think the team are very strong and very much in form."