Lee Westwood has revealed that he is keen to feature in this year’s Ryder Cup for Europe, but insists he will only merit selection if he is playing well.

The Englishman is a veteran of the team event, having competed in the team competition on nine occasions, with seven of those appearances ending in victory for the Europeans.

The 42-year-old has accumulated 23 points over his Ryder Cup career, but his participation at this year’s event is in doubt, as he is currently 66th in the world rankings and he’s only secured one top-ten finish in the last 21 events he has played in.

Westwood insists that he must improve his form if he is to earn a place on Darren Clarke’s side, as he believes it would be wrong to accept a captain’s pick if his form did not merit an inclusion in the team.

He said: “I’d say to Darren – even before contemplating picking me – not to pick me if I wasn’t playing well. It would be very difficult to turn down a pick but it wouldn’t get to that stage with me if I didn’t think I could justify it. I’d tell Darren beforehand.”

The former world number one is, however, confident that he can return to form and feature at this year’s event, which is due to take place at Hazeltine National Golf Club from September 30 – October 2.

He continued: “Past record only counts if you’re playing well. You don’t want to be playing if you’re struggling, there would be too much pressure. It’s a goal for this year, hopefully to get some form together and qualify for the team.”

Europe are available at 2.15 to secure Ryder Cup glory this year, while the United States are on offer at 1.85 and the draw is priced at 11.00.