WHEN Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal faced each other in the final of the British amateur championship 27 years ago nobody could be sure they were looking at two future Ryder Cup captains.

But everything now looks in place for Olazabal – an easy winner at Formby that day – to be named today as the Scot’s successor.

The 44-year-old Spaniard has been the only name mentioned for next year’s defence of the trophy in Chicago.

Despite his continuing battle with rheumatism, he played only three events last year, Olazabal’s character, record and standing in the game all point to him being an outstanding leader.

‘‘He is an honourable, incredible man – I haven’t heard one person who wouldn’t love to see him as captain,’’ said European Tour chief executive George O’- Grady long before the players’ committee gathered to discuss the job.

Winner of seven caps as a player, Olazabal made his debut at Muirfield Village in 1987 alongside compatriot Seve Ballesteros.

They won their first three games together as Europe triumphed on American soil for the first time and went on to be beaten only twice in 15 contests.

His last appearance was at the K Club near Dublin five years ago but after that he served as Nick Faldo’s assistant in Louisville and then joined Montgomerie’s backroom team at Celtic Manor last October.

The European captain is set to be announced before the American one. That is usually done within a few weeks of the previous match, but although Davis Love was linked with the job.