Irishman Paul McGinley has been named Europe's captain for the 2104 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.

The 46-year-old had been one of the leading candidates for the role alongside Colin Montgomerie, who was reportedly keen to acquire the responsibility for a second time following his success at Celtic Manor in 2010.

However, following a vote by a number of players and former captains over the past 24 hours in Abu Dhabi, McGinley was chosen ahead of the Scot.

"Obviously I'm thrilled and delighted to have the honour to lead the European team. It's arguably the strongest in depth that we've had in the history. To be leading the cream of the crop at the Ryder is an honour," he told a press conference.

"To be honest it is a very humbling experience to be sitting in this seat and it is a week that I'm really looking forward to."

McGinley has never been on the losing side at a Ryder Cup, having played in three and been vice-captain in two others.