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McGinley, who sank the putt that won the 2002 Ryder Cup, carded a three-under 69 to move to six under par.

Colin Montgomerie, however, will be less pleased with his efforts at Whistling Straits this week.

The Scot will be praying for one of Bernhard Langer's wild cards after plummeting to 70th and nine over par.

McGinley, joint runner-up at last week's Dutch Open, only received an invitation to play here two weeks ago. But his finishing 69 - one of only two rounds under 70 on the final day - made him the early clubhouse leader.

I've had a good run, but it's very much unfinished business Paul McGinley on his Ryder Cup hopes

"Obviously I'm delighted," said the 37-year-old, who came into the week 15th in the Ryder Cup standings.

"There's a lot of pressure on me and I've done really well. Everybody knows what's at stake and I desperately want to be on the team again.

"I'll still have some catching up to do, but this has been a good week. There's a lot of adrenalin hopping around my body - I have a buzz at the moment.

"I've had a good run, but it's very much unfinished business."

The in-form McGinley can now go to next week's NEC World Golf Championship at Firestone confident of forcing his way into Langer's team.

English duo David Howell and Ian Poulter, two of McGinley's rivals for a place in the team, will not be at Firestone as they lack the Irishman's 2002 Ryder Cup exemption and remain outside the world's top 50.

If (Langer) wants to chat I am always available - and he obviously doesn't Colin Montgomerie on the wild card issue

Howell carded a 75 on Sunday - his worst of the week - to fall back to one over, while Poulter finished one stroke better after a final round of 73.

Montgomerie will also be at Firestone, but after recording the highest 72-hole total of his USPGA career he will need something very special in the final two events of the Ryder Cup qualification period.

"I struck the ball better than I scored all week. I'm still confident and I'm looking forward to next week," said Montgomerie.

Langer is hosting a dinner at Firestone on Tuesday for those cup candidates who are in the field, but the 41-year-old Scot refused to be drawn on the issue of who the captain will select.

"It's not my job to seek him out," said Montgomerie.

"If he wants to chat I am always available - and he obviously doesn't."