Colin Montgomerie has insisted that he was "flattered" to be considered for the captaincy for the Europe Ryder Cup team, but has claimed that he feels no bitterness after being snubbed.

Paul McGinley, who was backed by a number of professionals including world number one Rory Mcilroy, was picked to lead the holders into next year's tournament at Gleneagles.

"I wasn't in the picture until a week before Christmas when I heard of others that felt there was an opportunity for me to captain the team at home in Scotland, which would have been a dream come true," BBC Sport quotes Montgomerie as saying.

"It hasn't happened. I haven't pressed this in any way so I was flattered in many ways to be in that position."

Many were against the appointment of Montgomerie due to the fact that he captained Europe at Celtic Manor in 2010.