Tom Watson prepared to take blame if USA lose Ryder Cup

USA Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson has insisted that he has no problem taking the blame if his side fail to win the event at Gleneagles next week.

After losing seven times in the past nine contests, the pressure is on Watson to deliver the trophy, and he is prepared to be in the firing line if it is Paul McGinley's side celebrating another success.

"I'm prepared for that. I have some thick skin," the 65-year-old told reporters. "I'm trying to make the best decisions I can at the time. If the players lose rather than win, I don't care. I will take the blame.

"If and when we win the Ryder Cup, I will stand aside and give all the credit to the players and caddies. That's where it's due."

Watson captained USA to victory in the 1993 Ryder Cup.