European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie will ask his star players to play in next year's Wales Open to prepare for the clash against the USA.

The Wales Open has struggled to attract a big-name field in recent years due to its proximity to the US Open, but Montgomerie is hopeful he can persuade his stars to play at Celtic Manor as a prelude to their trip there for the Ryder Cup.

He said: "I would expect those potential Ryder Cup players to be playing here.

"I can't insist on people playing in tournaments but I can ask and I am sure I will get some saying 'yes'. It is a qualification event anyway.

"I would expect a much stronger participation of potential Ryder Cup players to play next year."

Montgomerie has also been thinking of potential vice-captains ahead of the clash and already has some names in the hat.

"I had a big say in the selection of the Seve Trophy captains in Thomas Bjorn and Paul McGinley and there's potential for them to take up a vice-captaincy role," he said.

"Ian Woosnam did a fantastic job in Ireland and being from these parts there should be no reason why he should not be involved in my thinking."