Lee Westwood backs Darren Clarke for Europe Ryder Cup captaincy

Lee Westwood has backed Darren Clarke to become the next Ryder Cup captain for Europe.

Clarke is heavy favourite to succeed fellow Irishman Paul McGinley and lead Europe at the biennial contest in 2016 at Hazeline Golf Club, Minnesota.

"It's about the right time in Darren's career to take up the captaincy," Westwood told Sky Sports News.

"He is very popular in the United States and I think he would make a good captain."

Despite being odds-on favourite, Clarke may struggle to get McGinley's vote as the pair's relationship is fragile.

After initially backing McGinley to be skipper this year, Clarke changed his mind and made a late run for the job himself to the disappointment of McGinley, who this weekend led Europe to a 16.5-11.5 win over America.