Padraig Harrington believes Europe's new Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has "little guy syndrome" – and he cannot wait to see that side of his fellow Dubliner come out next year.

McGinley will take charge of the European team as they aim to retain the title in Gleneagles.

And Harrington, who will make his debut in the Waste Management Open in Phoenix today, is looking forward to the occasion.

"He's a little fella and he likes to fight," Harrington said of McGinley.

"He has that little bit from his Gaelic football days. He's got it inside him and will lead the team well in that respect, as well as being organised."

Harrington missed last year's Ryder Cup as he was 96th in the world rankings, but he is now just outside the top 50 and knows the importance of continuing his climb.

As for the incentive of returning under McGinley, with whom he won the World Cup and played alongside in three Ryder Cups, the 41-year-old said: "I don't think it motivates me more – I'm fully motivated."

ICE HOCKEY: Ex-Braehead Clan player/coach Jordan Krestanovich is set for a dramatic return to the side after quitting the club just two weeks ago.

The Canadian had signalled his intention to move on after being told Paul Gardner was being drafted in to replace him as team boss.

However, Clan have said he is due to play in Saturday's home tie with Sheffield Steelers, with club bosses claiming he was absent due to illness, despite the Canadian revealing exclusively to SportTimes that he had called time on his spell at Braehead.

SNOOKER: Yorkshireman Peter Lines caused a shock by knocking out four-time world champion John Higgins today at the German Masters.

The 43-year-old, who had a best break of 96, won 5-3.