GOLF coach Alan McCloskey reckons that Stephen Gallacher's Ryder Cup debut at Gleneagles can help him flourish in his forties.

Bothwell Castle pro McCloskey is the go-to man in Scottish golfing circles, with a client list of home-based Euro Tour stars than includes Gallacher, Marc Warren and Scott Jamieson.

It is Bathgate ace Gallacher who will take centre stage this week after his wild-card selection by Europe's captain Paul McGinley.

At 39, Gallacher has enjoyed the best season of his career and his coach believes there is plenty more to come from the three-time European Tour winner.

McCloskey said: "It is a phenomenal story. He is nearly 40, it's his 18th year on tour, and you'd have thought if it was going to happen for him it would have happened a long time ago.

"Stephen was always classed as a golfer with lots of potential but until now it has not really happened for him. But now here he is a Scot, in the Ryder Cup in Scotland. It's a fairytale.

"Although he has been round the block for 10 years, he is ready for it.

"It will be the making of his career. I believe he will go on to better and bigger things and will fulfil his potential."

McCloskey added: "The Ryder Cup is going to be huge for Scotland and to have someone like Stephen, who is hugely popular, just adds to the spectacle. It would have been disappointing had we not had a Scot there.

"I've no doubts about Stephen. He is hugely excited about the whole thing. All his golf career he has been destined for the big scene and this is the start of it."