McGinley has McIlroy's backing

Last updated: 14th January 2013

World number one Rory McIlroy has hinted that he wants Paul McGinley to become Europe's new Ryder Cup captain.

The Ulsterman returns to action in Abu Dhabi this week and made his thoughts known on Sunday, two days prior to the announcement of who will lead the Ryder Cup holders at Gleneagles next year.

"Ryder Cup captaincy should be a 1-time thing," Northern Irishman McIlroy said on Twitter.

"Everybody deserving gets their chance and moves on. Would love to play under Paul McGinley in '14."

McGinley and Montgomerie are the favourites to lead the European team since Darren Clarke is expected to confirm to the European Tour's tournament committee that he does not think the time is right for him to take charge of the team.

Sunday was not the first time that McIlroy said that he would prefer McGinley to take over the reins - after the European team's stunning success in Medinah he commented that he favoured McGinley in 2014 and Clarke in 2016.

"I've always said I think Clarkey would be a great captain here in America," he said.

"I think the crowds really love him, so maybe save Darren for 2016."

Last year-s captain Jose Maria Olazabal agreed with McIlroy and believes there are plenty of good candidates in Europe for them not to recall his predecessor.

"I would never do it again," claimed Olazabal in Durban, where he was competing in the Volvo Golf Champions event.

"First of all it's a lot of energy and time, a huge demand and the pressure is quite big.

"It's a different pressure, not one we are used to out there playing on the course.

The media scrutinise everything you say and every possibility.

"On top of that, I've done it and it couldn't have been any better.

"Even if it was held in Spain again somewhere down the line I wouldn't do it.

"Monty has also done it and was successful too (at Celtic Manor in 2010). If I was him I wouldn't do it again, but Monty is his own man.

"It's being played in Scotland close to his home. It's his decision.

"I am a strong believer that we have a generation of players that deserve the captaincy - and some might miss out because there are just too many.

"I think it's right to give those guys a chance."