Ronan Rafferty has urged Nick Faldo's critics to get off the European captain's back ahead of next week's Ryder Cup match.
Former Ryder Cup player fears European bid is being undermined
Ronan Rafferty has urged Nick Faldo's critics to get off the European captain's back ahead of next week's Ryder Cup match in Kentucky.
Faldo has taken a good deal of criticism and sparked frenzied debate amongst fans and pundits alike following his decision to select Ian Poulter and Paul Casey as his wildcards ahead of in-form Ryder Cup stalwart Darren Clarke.
Rafferty is concerned that the doubters, especially those in the media, are undermining Europe's bid to secure what would be an unprecedented fourth straight victory in the match.
The Northern Irishman - who featured for Europe at The Belfry in 1989 - has backed Faldo's judgement and called for a show of unity ahead of the showdown at Valhalla.
"The media coverage on Faldo's wildcard picks needs to stop right now," Rafferty told the Irish Daily Mail.
"We need everyone behind the European challenge and there will be plenty to write about - if we win.
"Faldo really had a pool of four players to pick from and he went with Ian Poulter and Paul Casey in the end.
"Faldo has been there and done it. He has six Major titles and what have all of them got? The ones who are whinging and complaining, what have they done?"
Foundations
Indeed, Rafferty feels that Faldo's selections have helped put the foundations in place for forthcoming matches.
The European side has a noticeably younger look this time around with four players making their debut - something that Rafferty feels must bode well for the future.
"The Europe side has a good crop of youngsters which means we can start to put the foundations in place for the next batch of Ryder Cup stars," he added.
"This will have a knock-on effect with their mates believing they can also make it on to the team in the future."
