Sam Torrance set for call-up

Sam Torrance is expected to be unveiled as the new European Ryder Cup captain tomorrow.

Sam Torrance is expected to be unveiled as the new European Ryder Cup captain tomorrow.

Torrance acted as one of Mark James' assistants in the dramatic defeat in Boston in September and looks certain to take over for the match at The Belfry in 2001.

It was at the Sutton Coldfield course 14 years ago that Torrance, with tears in his eyes, sank the putt which put the trophy in European hands for the first time since 1957.

The likeable Scot has always been viewed as the favourite to take over from James the moment the controversial match at Brookline ended.

Torrance was highly critical of American player Tom Lehman when some of the home side charged on to the 17th green before Jose Maria Olazabal had the chance to cancel out Justin Leonard's 45-foot putt.

After the match he was asked about the captaincy and said that if the job was offered he would see it as the greatest honour he could ever receive.

Qualification for Europe's 2001 team does not start until next September.