Faldo (L) and Jacklin teamed up in the 2003 UBS Cup

Faldo, Ian Woosnam and Sandy Lyle are in the running for the job after victorious 2004 skipper Bernhard Langer ruled out a second term in charge.

"Nick's major wins and his career set him aside, quite frankly, from anyone else," said Jacklin.

"Should he be passed up this time, he may not get it again."

Faldo took part in a total of 11 Ryder Cups between 1977 and 1997 and has the most number of points in the history of the event.

[Faldo] was great for my team - he would be my first choice Tony Jacklin

Jacklin skippered Faldo four times and believes that he has the ideal credentials to help Europe retain the trophy.

"When you've been in the arena as Nick has for so many years, nobody knows better what it takes," he said.

"He's not always said the right things at the right time but he and I have maintained a friendship for many years.

"He was great for my team. He would be my first choice.

"Nick, for me, was always a straight-shooter and very honest about how he felt on a given moment."

Have Your Say Who should captain Europe?

Jacklin added that he would like to see Ian Woosnam captain the team when the Ryder Cup comes to Celtic Manor in Wales in 2010.

The announcement of the 2006 European skipper is expected to be made on 2 March.