Colin Montgomerie insists Scottish golfers can force their way into his Ryder Cup thinking for the 2010 event at Celtic Manor.

Last year's losing Ryder Cup effort at Valhalla, skippered by Nick Faldo, was the first time a Scot had not been included in the European ranks since 1937.

Montgomerie was the only Scot who Faldo could have realistically selected but having dropped outside of the world's top 100, he was controversially overlooked.

Gary Orr is currently Scotland's highest ranked player in the world at 130th, three places ahead of Alastair Forsyth.

There was talk of Montgomerie selecting himself for the showpiece event but having dropped to 187th in the world that possibility no appears rather slim.

"That was disappointing not to have a Scot involved last time out," the Europe captain said. "I think there is a lot of Scottish potential.

"Let's hope for the second year running we don't not have any Scots involved in the team and on this occasion I'm sure we will.

"We go through lulls, if you like, but Gary Orr finished well in second place at the European Open, and Marc Warren's doing well again, Stephen Gallacher and a number of younger Scots as well.

"Let's hope these guys can carry that tradition of top Scottish golfers forward. We've got great potential; it's just a matter of proving it."

Meanwhile, Montgomerie believes he has plenty of players to choose from who are good enough to reclaim the trophy from the United States.

"I know the wealth of talent in Europe is second to none among all six Tours in the world," he said.

"We have some fantastic youngsters coming through, who will add to the nucleus of my team, and we will have a very strong European team.

"And if they play well, they might well win."