Paul McGinley has announced that Sam Torrance and Des Smyth have been appointed vice-captains for the European Ryder Cup team at Gleneagles.

Both candidates were tipped to take on the roles for the tournament against the US due to Torrance's previous experience as Ryder Cup captain back in 2002, while Smyth has been described as McGinley's golfing mentor.

During a press conference in Dublin this morning, McGinley revealed that the pair were at the forefront of his mind for the vice captaincy roles when he was appointed as captain in January last year.

"I'm absolutely thrilled to be back as part of Paul's team to play the Americans in September," Smyth said. "The Ryder Cup has meant a lot to my own career, and it was an absolute thrill to be a player because as a player it's the pinnacle of team golf.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge. I hope I can support Paul and I'm sure I will in all the decision-making he has to do."

Torrance added: "I was never more proud in my career than when I put on the sweater and it's no different this time. If I can do a 10th for Paul's team for what he did for my team, we'll both be very happy men."

Ray Floyd and Andy North will assist US captain Tom Watson.