Pavin is hoping for success on European soil later this year

US Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin has named four vice-captains for October's match against Europe at Celtic Manor.

Former captain Tom Lehman will be joined in Wales by Jeff Sluman, Davis Love and Paul Goydos.

Pavin was assistant to Lehman at The K Club near Dublin four years ago when Europe earned a record-equalling nine-point victory over the Americans.

European captain Colin Montgomerie has said he will not name his vice-captains until after the Open in July.

"I want to give everybody the chance first to make the team," said the Scot.

Love has accepted Pavin's invitation but still wants to make a seventh appearance as a player.

Neither Sluman, who served as Jack Nicklaus's vice-captain in three Presidents Cup matches, nor PGA Tour player Goydos have ever taken part in the competition.

Pavin said he had chosen the quartet because of "their intelligence, experience and ability to express their own opinions."

He added: "I want experienced golfers.

"I don't think it's necessary to have four, I think it's better for me. With four I can have one go with each match. With three you lose that chance.

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"I want to know what's going on and the more sets of eyes watching there's more feedback and hopefully I'll make good decisions.

"Tom brings the experience of being a captain - and a captain overseas. We will shoot around ideas."

Much of the credit for the US winning back the trophy in Louisville in 2008 was given to captain Paul Azinger and his use of assistants Raymond Floyd, Dave Stockton and Olin Browne.

Floyd and Stockton were both ex-captains with Browne a popular US Tour player and the trio were each given four team members to handle during the week.

Opposite number Nick Faldo, in contrast, had only Jose Maria Olazabal in an official capacity following the resignation of Paul McGinley but his successor Montgomerie is also planning to have four vice-captains like Pavin.

McGinley, Olazabal and Dane Thomas Bjorn are expected to be offered the chance to come on board again.

Although they are the holders, the US have not won on European soil since The Belfry in 1993. They were subsequently beaten at Valderrama, back at The Belfry and then The K Club.

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