Warren has split with leading coach Bob Torrance

Colin Montgomerie is backing his World Cup-winning partner Marc Warren to bounce back from a lean spell and criticism from ex-coach Bob Torrance.

Torrance accused Warren of being more interested in buying "big flats and Aston Martins" than practicising.

But Montgomerie said: "I have a lot of respect for Marc Warren.

"Let's hope these comments don't hurt him and that he proves to be the player he was over that World Cup, because he was the strength of our team there."

Warren and Montgomerie secured Scotland's first World Cup title at Mission Hills in China last year, 12 months after losing out in a play-off to Germany in Barbados.

"I would encourage the younger guys to practice hard, and they are, there's no question.

I hope Marc Warren gets back to form because he's better than the form he's showing Colin Montgomerie

"They have got nutritionists, mind people and fitness gurus and the standard is getting better."

Warren enjoyed a great first season on the European Tour, winning the 2006 Scandinavian Masters and picking up the Sir Henry Cotton Rookie of the Year.

Last year, he won the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles before partnering Montgomerie to World Cup glory.

However, he has been on a bad run recently, missing six cuts in his last eight events.

"I hope Marc Warren gets back to form because he's better than the form he's showing," added Montgomerie. "He's a real talent."