Paul McGinely has hinted for the first time that he would be interested in vice captaining  the European Ryder Cup team later this year at the Celtic Manor.

The Dublin-born golfer has shied away from the subject ever since Colin Montgomerie was officially appointed captain during last year’s Dubai Desert Classic but now seems ready to assume the mantle.

Denmark’s Thomas Bjorn is McGinley’s main competitor also vying for the title.

Jose Maria Olazabal has already ruled himself out from the position, saying: “No, I am not going to be a vice-captain as I have done it before and besides I have more important issues going on my health."

The Irish golfer once declined Nick Faldo’s request to be a Valhalla vice-captain but has stated that now would be the right time to agree to an offer.

"Monty is quite right not to rush into appointing his vice-captains but my value would be from the Monday morning of Ryder Cup week but not at the moment," said McGinley.

And most clearly McGinley concluded: “And if I was asked I would say ‘Yes’.”

McGinley will be joined by ten other Irish golfers on the European team at the tournament.

McGinley famously offered a handshake to J. J. Henry at the 2006 competition in the K Club, Kildare, Ireland.