Colin Montgomerie reckons Ian Poulter's "street fighting" mentality will help the Englishman deal with the pressure of being Europe's Ryder Cup talisman.

Monty was the frontline warrior who led Europe on many a Cup crusade down the years and his undefeated record in eight singles matches has him standing tall among the greats of the biennial contest.

Poulter has now assumed this role as 'Mr Ryder Cup' with 12 points from 15 ties and his inspirational, fist-pumping performances during the Miracle of Medinah two years ago helped drive Team Europe to a remarkable triumph.

Poulter's fighting spirit was illustrated as he birdied his last five holes in the fourballs with Rory McIlroy to secure a narrow win over Jason Dufner and Dustin Johnson.

Europe still trailed 10-6 at that point, but Poulter's heroics signalled a turning of the tide that would become a singles tsunami the following day as Europe mounted that remarkable comeback.

Poulter served his apprenticeship as a PGA professional at his local club in Hertfordshire and Monty insists that upbringing has moulded him into the battler he is today.

He said: "Seve Ballesteros was a street fighter. Corey Pavin was the same for America. You know, it takes a certain character to be a great Ryder Cup player and Ian Poulter has that character.

"Ian was in a pro shop, playing off a four or five handicap. And I think the bloody mindedness comes from 'I'm going to show these guys, that a club pro can do this.' And that gives him an edge over the so-called tournament pros that were embodied in the game early on."

Poulter failed to qualify automatically for the European team having endured a disappointing 2014 campaign but was handed a wild card by European skipper Paul McGinley for this week's clash with the USA at Gleneagles.

The pressure will be on to deliver the goods and Monty is hoping Poulter rises to the challenge again.

Montgomerie, who skippered Europe to Ryder Cup glory at Celtic Manor in 2010, said: "There's pressure on Ian that hasn't been before.

"He has been picked because everyone believes he is going to do it. Well, he hasn't performed really through the summer, and everyone is expecting him to perform in the Ryder Cup.

"Let's hope he does and that Ryder Cup position of his stands out."

Monty added: "When Poulter walks into the room, when he comes and sits down and says something, I think the other guys, including the captain, will be listening to him. Paul McGinley will be hoping that Poulter will be saying things in the team room to rouse the team up for Friday morning, or for any morning.

"He has proven himself over the last eight years in this Ryder Cup to be the best player. If we're down, he won't be saying things you want to hear, he'll be saying things you need to hear.

"Like get out there and perform, and show them. I just didn't like to lose, and I think the same goes for Poulter. "