Europe captain Sam Torrance has revealed his relief that Colin Montgomerie is fit to face the USA in this week's Ryder Cup.

But he also admitted knowing a fortnight ago that the former European number one would take part.

He joked with reporters: "He was just stringing you boys along. It gave you something to write about.

"If it weren't for that what would you have done?"

Montgomerie's back problems this season, however, have been anything but a laughing matter.

And Torrance acknowledged: "He's obviously one of the strongest players and it's great to have him in."

Montgomerie only publically declared himself fit after shooting a final round 68 in the American Express world championship on Sunday.

Four rounds at Mount Juliet, in County Kilkenny, convinced the Scot that he would be able to play the maximum five matches in three days at The Belfry.

"I'm obviously going," he said on Sunday. "I can play five times if Sam wants me to.

"I'm looking forward to it now. I felt well this morning and I played very well."

As well as his back problems, Montgomerie also suffered a heart scare last month, which he has only just revealed.

During tests for his back trouble at the Mayo Clinic, Minnesota, doctors found another worry and kept him in for a day.