European vice-captain Paul McGinley claimed that Lee Westwood deserves to be called a Ryder Cup legend on the eve of this year's competition in Chicago.
McGinley, who lifted the trophy three times as a player, believes that Westwood's record should be viewed alongside the greats of the sport.
"If anyone deserves to go down as a Ryder Cup legend it is Lee himself," said the 45-year-old. "He has been one of the cornerstones of our incredible run of success in the competition, which has seen us win six of the last eight matches.
"Lee missed the first of those wins, but he has contributed heavily to all the others. When you consider the likes of Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie all had five wins apiece, Lee's record already ranks with the very best.
"He just exudes this aura of calm confidence, the look of a man who has been there and seen it all before."
Westwood has won 19 points in seven Ryder Cup appearances.
