BLACKWOOD'S Bradley Dredge has all the qualities to play Ryder Cup golf, according to one of Europe's finest combatants in the event, seven time Volvo Order of Merit winner, Colin Montgomerie.

Montgomerie, who has the best points per centage of any European in Ryder Cup history, had Welshman Dredge and Stephen Dodd in his team for last September's victorious Seve Trophy and is convinced both men could be huge assets for Ian Woosnam's Ryder Cup team.

With plenty of ranking points still to play for before the event reaches the K Club near Dublin (September 22-24), Monty, already virtually guaranteed a spot in the side, is backing Dredge and Dodd to qualify as well.

He explained: "Since Ian Woosnam, who I think will be an excellent, competitive captain this year, Wales hasn't had a regular presence in the Ryder Cup and that is a shame.

"I had both Dredge and Dodd for the Seve Trophy and I put them together. Without question they are both potential Ryder Cup players, they are also very good people and both wrote to me after the event.

"It has been a barren spell for Welshman in the Ryder Cup and I look forward to seeing that change, they are two players with the capacity to do that."

Montgomerie was in Newport to promote the Celtic Manor Wales Open (June 1-4) and admits he has a great affinity both with the resort and the golf enthusiasts who come to watch the event.

It is shaping up to be another star-studded affair with Montgomerie, Nick Faldo, Woosnam, US Open champion Michael Campbell and defending Wales Open champion Miguel Angel Jimenez already confirmed to play.

Montgomerie added: "I always look forward to playing the Wales Open, it's becoming an increasingly prestigious event.

"We usually play good golf and the venue and resort are superb, it is the venue for the 2010 Ryder Cup and already has a Ryder Cup feel to it.

"The crowd are wonderful, I have played three Wales Opens and was captain during the marvellous All-Star Cup last summer and have always enjoyed myself around the place."

Montgomerie is heavy favourite to captain the European side in 2010 and admits he is desperate to be involved in some capacity, though ideally as a player.

"If I am not playing, all I will say is that I would like to aid the European team, be that as captain or in any role," he said.