Harrington bullish for Team Europe's chances in Rome

Padraig Harrington is confident that Europe can maintain their unbeaten Ryder Cup home record that stretches back to 1997.

Europe will attempt to regain the trophy at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club from 29 September to 1 October, with a Harrington-captained Europe going down 19-9 at Whistling Straits last time out.

This year's captain Luke Donald finalised his team today, with any outside hopes of Harrington or Seamus Power picking up a wildcard, extinguished.

Shane Lowry is among the half a dozen wildcards selected, with the Offaly man picking up one point against Team USA on his Ryder Cup bow two years ago.

Harrington felt that the only real decision came down to a straight choice between Poland's Adrian Meronk, who won the Italian Open in May, and Nicolai Hojgaard, with the 22-year-old Dane getting the nod.

"Adrian Meronk was sitting in the hotseat, and unfortunately for him, as good a player as he is and as well as he has played this year, over the last couple of weeks, Nicolai Hojgaard has stated his case," he told 2fm’s Game On.

"While Adrian didn’t play badly, he just wasn’t the best player in the last few weeks. Maybe there is more razzmatazz about Nicolai, and certainly he has played the better golf the last few weeks."

Looking ahead to next month’s event, Harrington, who has been part of five victorious Ryder Cup teams, is confident the hosts have enough to prevail

"I think we’re (Europe) in a really good place going into this Ryder Cup," he said.

"Our top players, for sure, are the best in the world. If they can get the best out of our middle and end rank of our team, I think home advantage on the course…I don’t want to usethe word favourites – I don’t want to give that tag and we always want to play as underdogs –