Des Smyth says that Padraig Harrington is the "right man at the right time" to take the Ryder Cup captaincy for Europe.
It is widely expected that the 47-year-old Dubliner will be confirmed as captain for the September 2020 Whistling Straits, Wisconsin event at a press conference in Wentworth this afternoon.
Harrington is a three-time major winner and has played in six Ryder Cups, winning four times.
"I think it will mean a lot, it’s a great honour for him," two-time Ryder Cup player Des Smyth told RTÉ Sport.
"He’s the right man at the right time in his career.
"The fact that he is still a player means a lot to the players around him because he knows these guys really well.
"He has done three vice-captaincies and I think he’s ready for this job.
"He has gravitas, when he is in the room people notice Padraig.
"It’s a big lead-in process, there’s lots of stuff to be done in the meantime, lots of public appearances, watching players.
"Padraig will probably stand down from playing a few events to watch, which wouldn’t have been his style in the past."
Europe are the current holders after beating USA 17.5 to 10.5 in Paris in September.
