Colin Montgomerie, in charge of Europe when they won the last home match at Celtic Manor two years ago and a member of Bernard Gallacher's side that faced the Tom Watson team in 1993, called the appointment "very wise", but believes there is now a lot of pressure on him.

"What happens if he fails?" he said. "He has to win now. If he doesn't succeed at Gleneagles, what's going to happen in 2016?