RYDER Cup skipper Colin Montgomerie has revealed he could spring a surprise and pick veteran Bernhard Langer as one of his wildcard picks for Celtic Manor.

Montgomerie and Langer, 52, are paired together for the opening round of the Mercedes-Benz Championship in Cologne today.

And Monty – who was picked as a wildcard by Langer for the 2004 Ryder Cup victory at Oakland Hills – admits he will be keeping a close eye on the German.

“I’ve not played with Bernhard for a couple of years but I know he’s here to win because I know how competitive he is,” said the 46-year-old.

“As a foursomes partner you could do a lot worse. I’m looking at ever eligible player and that includes him.

“He has kept himself in shape and if you talk about the most professional player in golf over the last 30 years he would come top of the list in every aspect.”