Olazabal targets Wales 2010

This year's assistant Jose Maria Olazabal will target a Ryder Cup playing role in two years time

Ollie looks on helplessly

Jose Maria Olazabal has indicated that he would prefer to play at Celtic Manor in 2010 as opposed to skippering the side.

Europe will attempt to regain the Ryder Cup in Wales in two years time and several names have been mentioned as Nick Faldo s replacement.

Although Faldo has yet to confirm that he will be stepping down, it seems likely that he will move aside but this year s assistant still harbours hopes of a playing role in the biennial event.

The Spaniard, who has starred in seven Ryder Cups, last appeared at the K Club in 2006 and will be 44 come tee-off in Wales.

However, despite injury ruling him out of this year s show, Ollie will be buoyed by the recent performances of US veteran Kenny Perry and compatriot Miguel Angel Jiménez, both of whom are enjoying their twilight years.

"I told the boys that my intention is that if I get healthy I might hopefully be a playing partner in the next Ryder Cup and then we'll see after that but time will tell," he said.

Other names doing the rounds are 2006 captain Ian Woosnam and two-time Major winner Sandy Lyle. Finding Faldo s successor could begin next week when Europe s tournament committee meets in Scotland.

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