Woosnam is keen on the 2006 job

The Oakland Hills course in Michigan will host the 2004 competition before moving to Ireland for the first time in 2006 at the K Club in County Kildare.

"I would rather see Langer do it this time because I think he would be perfect in America," said Woosnam, who was Sam Torrance's assistant at The Belfry last September when the European team regained the cup.

"I think I'd do a good job in Ireland in 2006 - that would be perfect really.

I don't want to be passed over in three years' time Ian Woosnam

"I learned a lot being there with Sam. I didn't realise how much went on behind the scenes. The players are demanding.

"It's a very great experience and I learned a lot, talked a lot about pairings, doing little bits of motivation speeches to the players and keeping the momentum going."

Woosnam, Langer and Sandy Lyle are the only candidates at the moment for the 2004 event and Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie have both expressed an interest in the 2006 job.

Both Woosnam and Langer are in favour of a "double ticket" arrangement whereby the 2004 and 2006 captains would be named at the same time.

"If I'm not going to be guaranteed the 2006 captaincy I want to have a shot at doing it this time," Woosnam said.

"I don't want to be passed over in three years' time."