Montgomerie has tipped Casey (right) to be in contention for victory at Carnoustie

Paul Lawrie's 1999 success at the Scottish venue is the last European triumph in a major.

But Montgomerie said: "Now is the time - time we turned our Ryder Cup success into major championship success.

"We have more players capable of it than ever before but Padraig Harrington and Paul Casey would be my picks."

Media conference: Colin Montgomerie

Montgomerie, who ended his own 19-month title drought at the European Open at the K Club, says the 2007 US Open and Masters have shown that players other than Tiger Woods can win the big prizes.

"You would have got a lot of money on Angel Cabrera and Zach Johnson winning the first two majors of the year," said the 44-year-old Scot.

"So it is possible to beat Tiger. But he won the last two of last year and he might well go and do the same again.

"Let's hope not - let's hope we have European success sooner rather than later."

Montgomerie warms up for the Open at this week's Scottish Open, with Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald amongst the field.

If he wins at Loch Lomond, Montgomerie would climb to the top of the European Order of Merit.