Bernard Gallacher hopes Paul Lawrie makes Ryder Cup team

Scot Paul Lawrie could be a home hero in the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles after his key role last year, says ex-Europe captain Bernard Gallacher.

Lawrie's 5&3 victory over American Brandt Snedeker in the singles helped secure a memorable triumph at Medinah.

But the 44-year-old Aberdonian is struggling in the race for qualifying points ahead of next year's event.

"Paul played so well in the last one," said Gallacher. "I would hope he would make the team."

The United States required only four and a half points from the 12 on offer on the final day in Chicago last year, but the Europeans secured eight and a half to clinch a dramatic 14½-13½ win, with Lawrie's contribution vital.

"He was instrumental in our victory the last time - in fact, he was the catalyst for the victory," said Gallacher. "I think he'll make a big effort to make the team."

Nine players qualify automatically for the 2014 team - four from the European points list and five from the World points list - with three wildcards selected by captain Paul McGinley.

Craig Lee is the highest-placed Scot in the European points list at 22nd, with Stephen Gallacher 34th and 1999 Open champion Lawrie 70th.

Bernard Gallacher expects Gleneagles to host a memorable Ryder Cup, regardless of whether any Scots feature, and believes the outcome is "too close to call".

He plans to attend, having recovered from the cardiac arrest he suffered as he was preparing to deliver a speech at an Aberdeen hotel in August.

Gallacher was speaking at an event to accept a Scottish Golf lifetime achievement award, which he will receive at a special event in February.

"I'm delighted to be accepting this award ahead of such a special year for golf in the country," said the 64-year-old, who follows Lawrie, Colin Montgomerie, Sam Torrance and Sandy Lyle into the nation's hall of fame.

"It's an honour to follow the greatest names in Scottish golf who have received this award," said Gallacher, who played in all eight Ryder Cups between 1969 and 1983 before captaining the side in 1991, 1993 and 1995, when he led a winning team at Oak Hill.

"I played in the first Ryder Cup in Scotland in 1973 at Muirfield and, like all golf fans, I'm looking forward to it coming back for what will be a fantastic contest," he added.

Gallacher won 22 times on the European Tour, finishing in the top 10 on the Order of Merit five times between 1972 and 1982.