Now he merely needs a top-three finish at the European Open that starts today. And he just happens to be the defending champion here this week.

Of course, the last fact will mean exactly nought as the tournament has moved across the Irish Sea from the K Club to this ultra-modern Kent venue. Montgomerie will therefore be as much in the dark as every other competitor in a prestigious field that also includes Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia. Yet the Scot will surely be helped by the belief that he has rediscovered the light switch to his own game again. After one inspirational visit to Paris, the competition he loves so much is within touching distance and Montgomerie is not even bothering to disguise his enthusiasm.

"Last week was a big, big step forward, moving up from 40th, or whatever, to 13th in the Ryder Cup rankings," said the 45-year-old. "So I've just got to use the confidence I gained at the France Open and do as well as I possibly can here. Because I really want to be in the Ryder Cup and I don't feel I've played my last game yet. It would be a shame if I had."

Harrington agreed wholeheartedly on that count, but stressed that he would hate to see Montgomerie being protected down the singles order in some sort of last hurrah. "Personally, I want Monty on the team," said the Open champion. "But I think he needs to be the leader on the team. I don't think you can bring Monty along and say this is a testimonial, your final match and we'll protect you down the back there. That wouldn't work."

In other words, it would be far better for Montgomerie to play his way in and not rely on a wildcard from Nick Faldo. Not that he is planning to do that as with the standings looking like they are it is way too risky. "If I was Ryder Cup captain and I had to pick the Europe team tomorrow I would go for [Luke] Donald and [Padraig] Harrington," he admitted.

"Right now, of the players not in the qualifying positions you would pick them ahead of me. But there's a number of big tournaments coming up. And the cream usually rises to the top."