COLIN MONTGOMERIE was today under huge pressure to give up his bid to be Europe's Ryder Cup for the second time.

A massive backlash was growing against the Scot after his camp confidently predicted he would be named skipper for the event at Gleneagles next year.

An announcment on the new captain is expected today from the European Tour Committee.

But Europe's top players were last night rallying behind Paul McGinley to be given the chance of defending the trophy won last year at Medinah.

Leading lights such as world No.1 Rory Mcilroy, Ian Poulter and Luke Donald all came out in favour of McGinley, who was an assistant to Jose Maria Olazabal during last year's historic triumph.

And former skipper Bernard Gallacher joined in the growing chorus for Montgomerie to stand aside and let McGinlay go head to head with newly- appointed american skipper Tom Watson.

"I feel like everyone deserving should get their chance," McIlroy told a press conference in Abu Dhabi to announce his new sponsorship deal with Nike.

"I played under Paul at the Seve Trophy in 2009 and thought he did an unbelievable job. Of all the captains I've played under he would be the best.

"He does not leave any stone unturned, he gives great confidence in the team room and I think he would make a really good captain.

"I don't think Monty has anything to gain if we go to Gleneagles and lose. He is already a winning captain."

Poulter and Donald, also members of the winning team with McIlroy at Medinah, backed McGinley too.

Donald said: "I hope Paul gets his chance, he's been an amazing vice-captain and deserves a chance"

Poulter said: "It would be fantastic to have Paul as the 2014 captain."

Gallacher believes his fellow Scot should step aside to ensure McGinley is a unanimous choice.

Gallacher captained Europe on three occasions, but said: "I think it's a one-term appointment now to give other people a chance.

"Colin should step down to allow Paul a clear run at the job because he is the person with all the credentials for the job."