Westwood had a fine Ryder Cup in 2004

Faldo and Woosnam are front-runners to skipper the European team at the K Club in Ireland following Bernhard Langer's decision not to stand for re-election.

Westwood said: "If I was asked to choose I would say Nick first. He would have the respect of anybody who plays.

"But I think they will give it to Woosie. I think he has more support on the (Tour players') committee."

Faldo himself says he has "no idea" whether he or Welshman Woosnam will get the nod.

"I presume it's down to two of us now so we shall see what happens," said the 47-year old, who is currently playing in the Heineken Classic in Melbourne.

Have Your Say Who should captain Europe?

"I can't do anything. It's purely down to the decision of the Tour."

However, the Englishman is being heavily touted as an ideal candidate for the next contest in America in 2008.

Meanwhile, committee chairman Jamie Spence has sought Westwood's opinion and the Worksop golfer reckons Faldo's playing record gives him the edge.

Westwood said: "I would say Nick because he is the leading points scorer, has lots of experience, six majors, has brought a lot of glory and would have the respect of anybody who plays.

"He's also won three Irish Opens and is very popular there. He says he wants it and it is the right time, so he should get it."

Westwood, who was partnered by Faldo on his Ryder Cup debut in 1997, also believes the decision should not come down to a popularity contest.

I don't think he should be dismissed because a few people don't get along with him Lee Westwood on Nick Faldo

"I am sure there are still some anti-Faldo people. He has always been very single-minded and not endeared himself to people maybe as much as Woosie has.

"Woosie's always been popular and easy to approach, but I don't think that should count against Nick when it comes to the captaincy.

"I don't think he should be dismissed because a few people don't get along with him.

"I'm not saying he isn't popular, but probably not as popular as Woosie. However, I have more experience of how Nick is at a Ryder Cup than anybody and I know what I am talking about.

"It was not much what he said, just the way he was - he helped me to relax. And I think Woosie would be a great captain in America."

Not surprisingly, Ireland's Darren Clarke, who is on the tournament committee and has a vote, was more guarded.

"If there was a piece of paper I would tick both boxes," said Clarke.

"On past results you have to slightly favour Nick and in terms of relationship with the players Woosie would probably be slightly ahead.

"Nick's relationship is better - he has lightened up a bit - and I don't see a problem with naming the next two captains."

The committee will discuss the short-list, which also includes Scotland's Sandy Lyle and Spain's Jose Maria Olazabal, at a meeting on 1 March.