Paul McGinley has admitted that it came down to recent form when deciding between Ryder Cup stalwarts Lee Westwood and Luke Donald for his final wildcard.

The European captain named Westwood, Scottish rookie Stephen Gallacher and Ian Poulter as his three wildcards for the event at Gleneagles from September 26 to September 28.

Former world number one Donald has featured in four of Europe's last five teams, and been a winner on every occasion. McGinley admits that he is unfortunate to miss out, but felt that Westwood's performances over the last few weeks gave him a slight edge over his English compatriot.

McGinley told Sky Sports News: "Between him and Luke it was a very difficult call but I just felt that Lee stepped up to the plate a little bit there around the USPGA, with some low scores around the mid-60s in some big, big tournaments on big golf courses.

"I just feel his form is starting to come ripe really, in terms of his form at the right time. I know he's working hard on his game and I know he's starting to show a lot of solidity in his game and, for me, he just got it in terms of his form over Luke."

Westwood has played in eight successive Ryder Cups, a run which dates back to his debut at Valderrama in 1997.