Wilson - Olly the ideal captain

Wilson: Respect for Olazabal

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Oliver Wilson believes Jose Maria Olazabal would prove an "ideal" European Ryder Cup captain for the 2010 match at Celtic Manor - but is still hoping the Spaniard will qualify as a player.

Wilson got first-hand experience of Olazabal's man-management abilities with the Spaniard Nick Faldo's vice-captain at last week's contest at Valhalla.

Although the match ended in European defeat for the first time this century, Wilson saw more than enough to convince him that Olazabal would be up to the task of regaining the trophy for Europe.

But with the 42-year-old insisting he still harbours hopes of qualifying to play in Wales, Wilson has not given up on the prospect of being one of Olazabal's team-mates in two years time.

"He (Olazabal) was incredible," Wilson told Sky Sports News. "He was phenomenal in the team-room. He gave a few speeches that nearly had us in tears.

"He just talked to us about his memories and how they (Ryder Cups) are things you are never going to forget.

"So he would definitely be an ideal captain able to inspire the troops and it would be incredible.

"But as for this next one I think he would like to be playing more than anything, I think he feels he can still contribute as a player and hopefully he can be fit enough and get playing to where he was and hopefully he'll be a team member next time."

Positive experience

Wilson also took time to reflect on his Ryder Cup debut in Kentucky and insists, despite Europe's loss, he will take plenty of positives from the experience.

"The Ryder Cup, I always knew it was a special week, but until playing in it I didn't realise quite how special it was," he continued.

"You play against guys for 30 weeks a year and then when you come together in the team-room, the Europeans really don't have to struggle for camaraderie.

"There are a lot of special moments in the team-room, you know, talking between others, you've got incredible players in there giving you their thoughts and ideas and it was fantastic."