Former European Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam has hinted that he would consider a return to the role in 2010.

The Welshman guided Europe to a record third consecutive win over the United States in 2006.

"If the players and committee wanted me to come back it would be nice to do it in Wales," he told BBC Sport, referring to the 2010 venue of Celtic Manor.

"It might be the right time to do it and it would be nice to fetch the cup back," he added.

Spaniard Jose Maria Olazabal, the European vice-captain at Valhalla who had been one of the leading candidates for the 2010 captaincy, has ruled himself out.

Thomas Bjorn is chairman of the players' committee that will decide the next Ryder Cup captain.

He has also ruled himself out of the running and said there was no urgency to make a decision on the captaincy.

But two-time major winner Sandy Lyle is interested in captaining the European Ryder Cup team as they look to win back the trophy in Wales in 2010.

The Scot, who is the only one of Europe's 'Big Five' of the 1980s not yet to have captained the team, has been backed by Colin Montgomerie.

"I really appreciate Colin's kind words," said Lyle, who won the 1985 Open Championship and 1988 US Masters winner.

"I would be delighted and honoured to take on the challenge at Celtic Manor."

606: DEBATE I don't think Sandy Lyle would be a good choice. I would give it back to Woosie MrBigs74

Of the five Major winners in Europe's glory years between 1979 and 1991, the so-called 'Big Five', Seve Ballesteros, Bernhard Langer, Woosnam and now Nick Faldo have all captained the Ryder Cup team, leaving Lyle as the odd one out.

The matter could be discussed in Scotland next week but it will be a meeting in the Middle East in January where the captaincy will be put on the agenda.

The European team were beaten 16�-11� by the US at Valhalla in Kentucky last weekend.