FALDO'S THE MAN

PAUL CASEY believes Nick Faldo is the right man to spearhead Europe's defence of the Ryder Cup at Valhalla next year.

Despite leading Great Britain and Ireland to victory in the Seve Trophy last weekend, Faldo had to endure a load of criticism.

The six-time Major winner had to endure Paul McGinley's resignation as vice-captain and several commentators knocking his order of play for the vital Sunday singles.

But Casey, who played in the last two record nine-point Ryder Cup victories over the Americans, is convinced Faldo will inspire another triumph in 2008.

Casey said: "Nick is different from the two captains I have seen in the past, Ian Woosnam and Bernhard Langer. He's very much a player.

"He took a bit of stick over the few days at the Seve Trophy.

"But I saw a captain who really cares about the players' performance on the golf course and that's really what matters. It matters because we are going to have to go to Valhalla and play great golf if we want to have a chance to win the Ryder Cup."

The McGinley resignation has thrown up suggestions that Faldo could struggle at Valhalla establishing a rapport with senior members of his side who regarded him as an aloof character in his playing days.

But Casey believes the week spent at the Seve Trophy has already seen Faldo prove himself popular with Europe's younger guns.

"Last week was good to get to know him a little bit," said Casey.

"I had met him a couple of times in the States with the CBS boys through his commentary. I think he's a really good guy.

"I think he likes to tell a joke. He told a couple of jokes in the team room last week, which I cannot repeat. But it's all stuff that gets the guys going and builds a friendship.

"I don't know what he was like when he was playing. Obviously I've read stories that certain players didn't get along with him.

"I can see he gets along with the younger guys very, very well, and I think his team will be comprised of a lot of young guys.

"A lot of young guys are going to want to be on his team. Why not? He obviously gets along very well with guys like Nick Dougherty and Justin Rose.

"But I think last week was good, because he got to know a few other young guys, not just the GB&I players but the Continental guys as well."

Casey arrived at the Seve Trophy with his game in a mess but after a poor first round it only took a few minutes in conversation with Faldo to identify a swing problem.

And now he heads for Wentworth this week to defend his HSBC World Match Play title with a spring in his step after a generally quiet year.

Casey added: "I'll give Nick a lot of credit. He spotted it - he's got a great eye for the swing, and that will also help make him a good captain."