Luke Donald felt ‘humbled’ after Padraig Harrington’s endorsement for next Ryder Cup captain  

 Luke Donald admits he feels ‘very humbled’ to have the support of Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington in the race to be the Irishman’s successor for the 2023 match in Rome.

The 44-year-old Englishman, playing in the American Express event on the PGA Tour, was asked about Harrington’s comments that appeared in Sportsmail on Saturday by American television network, Golf Channel.

The Dubliner, arguably the key member of the five-man selection committee who will choose the next captain, was effusive in his praise, saying: ‘All I can say is Luke would be a great choice. His management style… he knows. I’d thoroughly recommend him.’

Donald (right) remarked: ‘I was very humbled when I woke up and saw those comments.

‘I would love to have the opportunity to be captain. I feel like I’ve learned a lot from captains I’ve served under, and vice-captains I’ve served alongside, that would help me. I’m a detail-oriented guy.’

Graeme McDowell, like Donald a vice-captain at the last two Ryder Cups, is clearly another admirer.

‘Luke brings a lot of experience and he commands a lot of respect,’ said McDowell. ‘He’s thoughtful and intelligent, and I think he’d be a fantastic choice.’

Ryder Cup director Guy Kinnings told Sportsmail that he thinks it could be towards the end of next month before there is an official announcement.

He said: ‘There’s obviously a process that we need to go through and, from what I can see, there are plenty of outstanding candidates.’