THE only Scot in the European team at the Ryder Cup failed, despite his best efforts, to contribute a point to another epic victory over the United States.

But jubilant captain Paul McGinley today revealed how three of the host nation's favourite sons had played a key role in the triumph at Gleneagles.

Stephen Gallacher played superbly in his singles match against Phil Mickelson across the PGA Centenary Course yesterday afternoon.

The Bathgate man was three-under-par for his round against the five-time Major winner - but still ended up on the wrong end of a 3&1 loss.

The defeat did not prevent McGinley's side from romping to an emphatic 16.5 - 11.5 win - a record-equalling third consecutive triumph in the biennial contest.

And as he recovered from the wild celebrations at the Gleneagles Hotel this morning, the Irishman told how Scots had been instrumental in the success.

He had a famous phrase from legendary golf coach Bob Torrance, who passed away earlier this year after a battle with cancer, on the wall of the European team room.

Elsewhere, Bob's son Sam, as one of five vice-captains, proved to be an invaluable member of his backroom team over three captivating days of competition.

And former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson gave a pre-tournament pep talk to his side. The Scots, then, all played a part as Sergia Garcia, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Co. blew their rivals away with a sensational display in the Home of Golf.

McGinley said: "I had Sam on my shoulder all week. And Bob Torrance was there too. He's been with me all week.

"I thought about saying that to Sam a few times as we were standing on the first tee, but I didn't because he would have cried. I probably would have cried myself.

"Being Scottish, Bob would have been so proud this week. I could see him being here, drinking it all in."

The team captain added: "I put up his quote, 'Happiest days of your lives,' so that it was the last thing the players saw before they walked on to the practice ground.

"It was there for a purpose, and not just because Bob was my coach, a great friend and Sam's dad. It was up there because it is true."

The European side was highly fancied by many golf fans to retain the trophy they had won in such dramatic fashion at Medinah two years ago.

But West Ham supporter McGinley turned to Sir Alex Ferguson, who knows a thing or two about being in that position, for guidance before arriving at the tournament.He said: "We had pressure on us this week. But as the No.1 player in the world, Rory McIlroy has pressure on him every time he plays.

"He knows how to deal with these situations. And that was one of the reasons why I asked Sir Alex Ferguson a lot of questions.

"Manchester United are the favourites in most of the matches they play in.

"It is something that he was used to and comfortable with. He gave me a couple of pointers in the right direction

"I didn't execute the plan. The 12 guys in the team did. I did the easy bit - and I really mean that.

"I know just how difficult it is to play in a Ryder Cup.

"I know how, when your heart is jumping out of your chest, how incredibly excited and nervous you are.

"But we relished the whole challenge and we did it with a smile on our faces.

"That is important. I think everybody should be proud of that. It is a great thrill to play in the Ryder Cup. I wanted the players to enjoy that and I think they did.

"Nothing beats the adrenaline rush of walking to the first tee with the home fans bellowing for you. I told the players to drink in every moment of it because your career goes very fast. Nothing compares to it."

The 47-year-old Dubliner, who holed the winning putt in the Ryder Cup at The Belfry in 2002, stressed that this weekend's victory would be the end of his involvement in the tournament.

McGinley added: "I am very happy. I had two great vice captains in Jose Maria Olazabal and Sam Torrance. They have been captains before.

"But I don't think it would be right for me to do that role personally."