EUROPEAN captain Sam Torrance yesterday told Nick Faldo he stands a great chance of being picked for the Ryder Cup next year.

Only the top ten on the Order of Merit after the BMW International Open in Munich in September 2001 qualify automatically for the team to face the United States at The Belfry.

But Torrance has been impressed by Faldo's desire to reclaim his place in the side, with the six-time Major winner playing several events since qualification started in September.

The 47-year-old Scot stated that Faldo would be assured of a place in the side if he makes the top 12 on the money list.

"I love his keenness," Torrance told Golf Weekly magazine. "He definitely wants to make the team and I'd definitely like to have him there. But he has to be on his game, I won't pick him because of who he is."

Faldo was furious after being told by former skipper Mark James that he would not be picked even if he won the last counting event in 1999 after making a special effort to be there.

But Torrance seemingly has a different attitude to that of his former vice-captain and said: ''11th or 12th then I would pick him no question.''

As for the rest of the team, Torrance declared himself delighted with the way it is shaping up with several big names already close to sealing their spot.

"It's looking very strong. There are seven in the top ten that I would definitely have wanted in," said Torrance, no doubt referring to Lee Westwood, Darren Clarke, Thomas Bjorn, Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia, Jose Maria Olazabal and Padraig Harrington.

"And Pierre Fulke is going to be a tremendous addition. He won two massive tournaments and has virtually made it already."

One potential problem for Torrance is the number of players committed to playing the majority of their golf on the US Tour next year, with the likes of Garcia, Jesper Parnevik, Faldo, Jean Van de Velde, Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez spending more time across the Atlantic.

They will be joined in 2001 by Swede Per-Ulrik Johansson, a member of the winning Ryder Cup sides in 1995 and 1997, who battled through the US Tour's qualifying school.

"He got the last card, which is not a great card, but I'm sure his ambitions are over there now,'' said Torrance.

"I'm a wee bit sad about that because I expected him to be one of the fighters for a spot. On his game I would definitely have him in my team, no question.