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Europe - We'll do it for Seve

Absent Spaniard to provide inspiration for Europeans

Last updated: 9th January 2009

Wilson: making Royal Trophy debut

Watch day one's play from the Royal Trophy on Sky Sports 1 from 9.30am (GMT) on Friday

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The European Royal Trophy team have expressed their determination to beat Asia in this week's event in honour of the absent Seve Ballesteros.

The Spaniard was the driving force behind the creation of the Ryder Cup-style matchplay event and, having captained Europe in the two previous editions, was scheduled to lead them again this year.

However, the 51-year-old is unable to attend following a series of operations to remove a brain tumour.

Close friend and compatriot Jose Maria Olazabal has assumed the captaincy in Ballesteros' absence and both men were involved in the selection of the eight-man team.

Oliver Wilson is making his debut for Europe and insists Seve will provide inspiration for he and his team-mates once the action gets underway at the Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok on Friday.

"Underneath it all, we all want to win it for him - I think it'd be great to do that," stated Wilson, who was also a member of the defeated European Ryder Cup team at Valhalla last September.

"That might give him a bit of excitement and positivity.

"Out on the course we won't be thinking about it but it means a lot to play under him.

"Even to be picked in a team he's picked, it means a lot."

Paul McGinley, a member of Ballesteros' winning teams in both 2006 and 2007, admits the Spaniard will be sorely missed in Thailand, but feels Olazabal will provide a more than capable deputy and backed the 42-year-old to go on and captain the Ryder Cup team in the future.

"We really miss Seve - there's no doubt about it - as he has larger-than-life personality," stated the Dubliner.

"This tournament is on because of him, he's the one who put it all together and he'll be keeping a close eye on this week.

Future Ryder Cup captain

"Olly is very astute golf wise and a very likeable guy.

"He will be a brilliant captain in the Ryder Cup, whether it's next year or in a few years, he will be captain at some stage and a great captain he will be.

"It's a question of when he's going to be captain rather than if. I know he's keen to keep on playing so that's his decision rather than anyone else's."

Wilson went on to back McGinley's sentiments on Olazabal, but believes the Spaniard is unlikely to be in charge at Celtic Manor in 2010 given his continued desire to qualify as a player.

"There's no doubt in the future he'll be an amazing captain, but at the moment he's trying to concentrate on getting well and getting back to playing," the Mansfield star added.

"He doesn't want to talk or get involved in the Ryder Cup captaincy yet - it takes a lot out of you - but I think he'll enjoy this experience, just like he did the Ryder Cup."