Paul Casey fired an opening-round 66

Paul Casey's hopes of a wildcard entry into the European team for this year's Ryder Cup have been boosted by his first-round 66 at the Barclays Classic.

Casey has given up hope of automatic selection but is hoping fellow Brit Ian Poulter can continue his surge into the European top 10.

That would leave Casey, Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke fighting it out for two captain's picks.

Poulter is 12th but that could change with a good performance in New Jersey.

But Poulter is currently two-over par on 73 in New Jersey, with Casey second on the leaderboard after his five-under at the Ridgewood Country Club, four shots behind American Hunter Mahan.

"Everybody is talking about the sort of notable players, the guys who have played Ryder Cup before who are not on the team," Casey said.

"Ian is one, Monty (Colin Montgomerie) is another and Darren Clarke. They have to be my rivals when it comes to a pick.

"So all I can do is play exceptionally good golf here, put myself on the radar in terms of what Nick is thinking, and if he doesn't have to pick Ian, then there's more chance that I might get picked. So I hope Ian plays well."

Europe face the United States at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky on 16-21 September.