Ryder Cup: Captain Paul McGinley 'prepared for tough decisions'

Paul McGinley will set aside personal feelings when he makes his Ryder Cup wild card selections on Tuesday.

The nine automatic qualifiers for McGinley's European team were confirmed on Sunday when Stephen Gallacher just failed to dislodge Graeme McDowell.

Gallacher's Italian Open showing boosted his wildcard hopes but Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, Luke Donald and Francesco Molinari are also contenders.

"There will be some very difficult decisions to be made," McGinley said.

McGinley hailed Gallacher's "terrific performance" in Turin at the weekend but insists he will coldly assess the situation after the conclusion of the Deutsche Bank Championship on Monday.

Miracle at Medinah heroes Poulter and Donald were competing in Boston, although fellow Englishman Westwood failed to qualify for the second FedEx Cup play-off event.

McGinley played alongside Westwood at the Ryder Cup in 2002, 2004 and 2006, with Donald in 2004 and 2006 and with Poulter in 2004, and was vice-captain in 2010 and 2012 when all three players helped Europe claim narrow wins at Celtic Manor and Medinah.

"I have been on Tour now for 21 years, I know everyone," McGinley said. "I've spoke about the bonding I felt with players I have played with, we have a sixth sense.

"You can imagine how difficult it's going to be for me if I have to call one of them up and say 'I'm sorry, you're not one of my picks'.

"I am maybe going with a rookie I don't have any bonding with. That's going to be very difficult for me but I am prepared for that.

"Personal things go out of the window. I am prepared for the tough decisions, I am not afraid to make those."

It seems highly unlikely that Poulter will be left out despite an indifferent, injury-plagued season, leaving Donald and Westwood most at risk.

Gallacher presents a strong case for inclusion on current form. He also lives just 35 miles from Gleneagles and has recorded seven top-10 finishes there in his last 12 appearances.

McGinley will announce his three picks at 12:30 BST on Tuesday, with US captain Tom Watson to name his three selections later the same day.

The Ryder Cup takes place at Gleneagles from 26-28 September.