I would be an asset, says Quiros as he states his case for Celtic Manor berth

FOR someone who didn't want to hear a single word about it, Alvaro Quiros spoke as well about the Ryder Cup situation as anyone has at Gleneagles this week.

He was even happy to explain why he should receive one of those in-demand wild cards.

The Spaniard certainly wasn't being cocky. Far from it, in fact. He believes his only realistic chance of making the 12-man team is by winning the 233,330 top prize on offer in the Johnnie Walker Championship.

However, Quiros reckons Colin Montgomerie wouldn't go wrong if he selected him along with Edoardo Molinari and either Luke Donald or Justin Rose, even if it was at the expense of three-time major champion Padraig Harrington and Paul Casey, the world No 9. "When I arrived at this tournament, I spoke with my caddie and told him I didn't want to hear anything about the Ryder Cup, but sitting here it's the only thing I'm speaking about," said the effervescent 27-year-old on a visit to the media centre yesterday.

"For me to get in the team, I think I have to win and wait and see if Miguel Angel (Jimenez] doesn't get a lot of money. For a rookie like me it's not easy to compete with the big names outside the team right now for the wild cards.

"If I'm not wrong, the captain has said he's going to give important consideration to players who support or play on the European Tour.

"But it is a free world and that is why they are wild cards. You don't have to have a reason to pick somebody." Asked who he'd pick in Monty's shoes, Quiros added: "One of the four in America - probably Luke or Justin because I have a better friendship with them - Edoardo Molinari and me.

"Molinari is playing great and could be a good partner with his brother, while I think I'm a very good partner for everybody, in addition to the fact my length would be a good advantage in Wales. I'm fresh blood, too."

Englishmen Simon Dyson and Ross McGowan, the only other two players who can still get into the team without needing a wild card, are also aiming to be rookies at Celtic Manor.

Dyson, who won the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews last October, has to win this week to have any chance but admits he's arrived in Perthshire running low on energy.

"I feel a bit run down due to all the travelling lately but I'm probably playing the best golf I've played all year," he said. "I'm going to give it everything because I really want to get into the team.

"There's no room for second this week. It's like Will Ferrell said in Talladega Nights - if you're not first, you're last."

McGowan, who was flying high in the standings after finishing second in the inaugural Dubai World Championship last November, has been struggling with wrist and shoulder injuries as he's slipped out of the automatic positions in recent weeks.

"After Dubai, I was expecting to be on the team already, but now I probably need a win," said the 28-year-old.

"I've not had much contact with Monty, to be honest, and I'm not sure if he has spoken to any others or not. But I think I'm only going to make the team if I play my way on to it this week."

Jimenez, currently occupying the last of the nine automatic spots, isn't letting the pressure affect his sense of humour, even though he's had to cancel plans to attend a family wedding this weekend to play in Perthshire.

Asked what present he'd bought his nephew, who is getting married, the Spaniard replied: "I haven't bought it yet, but I'm going to send him my Ferrari just in case he decides not to get married and run."