BLOOMFIELD HILLS, United States (AFP) - Bernhard Langer, the most successful captain in Ryder Cup history, is ready to consider taking on the role again in two years time.
There is also growing support amongst players and officials to have him lead Europe again despite claims for the title from Nick Faldo and Ian Woosnam.
The 47-year-old German, who had originally said he would only do it once, now admits that if asked to take on the captaincy again he would consider it.
"It is too early to say now. The decision will not be taken for 10 to 12 months. I don't say I would take it but if I was asked I would certainly consider it," said Langer, still basking in his side's stunning 18 1/2 - 9 1/2 thrashing of the Americans on Sunday.
"I haven't been asked to be captain again and I'm not sure. We'll have to wait and see who the Ryder Cup committee comes up with, who they think is the best man for the job. If that should be me then I will consider it and talk it over with my wife and look at it.
"I said consider, it doesn't mean I would accept it right away," he added.
Colin Montgomerie, who has made no secret of his desire to take the captain's spot for the 2006 Ryder Cup at the K Club, waas talked out of the idea by Langer at a joke-filled final press conference by the European team.
Before the 41-year-old Montgomerie could answer about his wish to be captain for 2006, Langer interupted and said "No. He will play. He's too young to be captain. He needs to play."
The victorious European team have made no secret of the faith in Langer and his ability to get the best out of them.
Montgomerie ranks him number one.
"We in Europe have been very fortunate over the years to have such great captains and I've played for a number of them. No one is better than Bernhard," said the Scot, who sank the winning putt on Sunday and only made the team because he was a captain's pick.
Paul McGinley, who sunk the winning putt two years ago at the Belfry, had nothing but praise for Langer.
"He leaves nothing to chance. I think where we have gained from him is his presence on the golf course, his course strategy.
"If you take an average player and if you put Jack Nicklaus' head on his shoulder how good of a player would that guy be. It's a little bit like that this week with Bernhard.
"He's given us advice about course management and club selection and pin position all the way around. That certainly is a big help," explained McGinley.
Rookie Luke Donald, tipped to play in many Ryder Cups, made his feelings clear about Langer's leadership.
"Bernhard has put a lot of effort into this Ryder Cup. He seems to have gotten every detail right and it's great for the team to play well for him as well as ourselves and as a team to come together and win for him," said the 26-year-old.