Bulging eyes, popping veins, pumping fists and mouths contorted with the rush of adrenaline?

The frantic histrionics on show during a Ryder Cup look more like something you'd see in a fight down a back alley. That analogy is quite appropriate given that Ian Poulter has been labelled as a bit of a golfing street fighter.

"That's a real compliment when it comes to the Ryder Cup," said Colin Montgomerie, that big-hitting figure of many a Ryder Cup skirmish.

"Seve was a street fighter too. Corey Pavin was the same for America. You know, it takes a certain character to be a great Ryder Cup player and Ian Poulter has that character."

Poulter's fighting spirit was typified at Medinah two years ago, as the inspired Englishman birdied his last five holes in the fourballs with Rory McIlroy to secure a narrow win over Jason Dufner and Dustin Johnson. Europe still trailed 10-6 at that point but Poulter's heroics signalled a turning of the tide that would become a singles tsunami the following day as Europe mounted that remarkable comeback.

You wouldn't necessarily say that Poulter's competitive spirit was forged on the mean fairways of Chesfield Downs Golf Club near Hitchin but, as a club professional who rose to the ranks of global campaigner and Ryder Cup hero, the Englishman did it the hard way.

"I think that Poulter's way to the top of the game came very differently from a number of us," added Montgomerie. "A number of us went to the tour schools, and then went to tournament golf. Ian Poulter was in a pro shop, playing off a four or five handicap. And I think the bloody mindedness comes from 'I'm going to show these guys that a club pro can do this'. He certainly has, and that gives him an edge over the so-called tournament pros embodied in the game very early on."

Poulter's record is polished by 12 wins from 15 Ryder Cup matches. It is an arena that gets his juices flowing like no other. "When Poulter walks into the room, when he comes and sits down and says something, I think the other guys including the captain will be listening to him," said Montgomerie.

"Paul McGinley will be hoping that Poulter will be saying things in the team room to rouse the team for Friday morning, or for any morning.

"And I think that's very good for someone who has that character, who has proven himself over the last eight years in this Ryder Cup to be the best player. If we're down, he won't be saying things you want to hear, he'll be saying things you need to hear. Like get out there and perform, and show them. I just didn't like to lose, and I think it goes the same for Poulter. I hated losing and still do. Especially when it's one on one, it's like a play-off. I hated losing more than I loved winning, and that helped me not to lose."

It seems that Poulter has assumed Monty's mantle as European talisman. There might be some back-street fisticuffs over that one.