Paul McGinley relishing Tom Watson battle

Newly-appointed European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has said that he is looking forward to taking on his US counterpart Tom Watson.

The Irishman was named as successor to Jose Maria Olazabal this evening, beating off competition from Colin Montgomerie.

McGinley - vice-captain during Europe's victory at Celtic Manor in 2010 - revealed that Watson, who will lead the US team for a second time, is one of his golfing heroes.

"I'm obviously very pleased to be in this situation," McGinley told reporters. "This is a position that I'm really thrilled to be in, and it's also a very humbling experience. I can't wait to get into the role of being the captain.

"I'm relishing the thought of taking on one of my great heroes, Tom Watson. He's not only a wonderful person but a great ambassador for the game of golf.

"I've never had an opportunity to go up against him in a playing sense. To go up against him in a captaincy sense will be a real thrill for me."

The tournament takes place at Gleneagles in 2014.