Europe's Ryder Cup captain Jose Maria Olazabal has revealed that he will delay naming his assistants due to their possible qualification as players.

The Spaniard, who was vice-captain to both Nick Faldo and Colin Montgomerie in the last two events, has already announced his intention to pick four assistants for the bi-annual tournament.

American captain Davis Love has already confirmed that Fred Couples and Mike Hulbert will form part of his back-up staff, but Olazabal wants to postpone his decision in order to give potential candidates the chance to qualify.

"I have a long list, but I want to wait as long as I can before I make any decision," Olazabal told Sky Sports News.

"Several guys I am considering may still qualify to play so I do not want to select them and then have to replace them if they make the team."

Compatriot Miguel Angel Jiminez, reigning British Open champion Darren Clarke and Irishman Paul McGinley have all been linked with the roles.