Ryder Cup: Luke Donald backed by Colin Montgomerie for Marco Simone

Luke Donald is the «safe pair of hands» Europe need as Ryder Cup captain for the 2023 match against the United States, says Colin Montgomerie.

Momentum is building for the 44-year-old Englishman to lead the side in Rome, with losing 2021 captain Padraig Harrington and Ryder Cup legends Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter also behind him.

Donald, a former world number one, won all four Ryder Cups he played in.

«I'd vote Luke,» said Montgomerie, who led the side to victory in 2010.

The next captain is expected to be announced towards the end of February.

Lee Westwood, who holds the record for most matches played for Europe, had been tipped to succeed Harrington following last year's record 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits.

But the 48-year-old Englishman ruled himself out because he remains in the world's top 50, which qualifies him for all four majors and World Golf Championship events.

«I agree with Lee's decision,» said Montgomerie, who was a stalwart of the European team, playing in eight editions of the biennial event from 1991, winning five before captaining the side at Celtic Manor 12 years ago.

«It is only right. He has unfulfilled ambitions. He hasn't won a major and is quite capable of doing so, so I don't blame him.»

Sweden's Henrik Stenson has also been mentioned as a potential captain and while Montgomerie believes «he would be a good captain», Donald is the right man for the match at Marco Simone.

The former Walker Cup winner, who played in four Ryder Cups between 2004-2012, contributing 10½ points from a possible 15, was a vice-captain to Thomas Bjorn in the successful 2018 side at Le Golf National in Paris then helped Harrington in Wisconsin last September.

«I had three captain's picks in 2010 and I picked Luke because he