Colin Montgomerie has suggested that Darren Clarke is the perfect fit to become the next European Ryder Cup captain in 2016.

Clarke has received the backing of a number of his peers after fans switched focus to Hazeltine following Europe's triumph at Gleneagles on the weekend, and Montgomerie is not surprised to see the Northern Irishman become the early favourite.

"I think he's the bookies' favourite, if there is one," the 2010 skipper told Sky Sports News. "Provided he feels he isn't capable of playing and adding to the team in a playing performance.

"This is the problem with Thomas Bjorn, with Lee Westwood, with Padraig Harrington as well – are they ready to say they're not going to play again? Because after you've captained it's very rare to come back as a player.

"Darren's favourite right now but we will have a think after the next few months and come up with the best candidate."

Montgomerie will work with Paul McGinley and Jose Maria Olazabal on the selection panel to find the next captain.