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Paul McGinley admits he has a sense of pride at seeing his European team as favourites for the Ryder Cup at Gleneagles later this month.
Europe, and formerly Great Britain & Ireland, were America's whipping boys for nearly 50 years from the 1930s, but the tables have turned since the mid-1980s with five wins from the last six events, including the memorable success at Medinah two years ago.
That sees McGinley's side as the favourites to win on Scottish soil, and he has no fears that his players will be able to deal with that tag, albeit remaining wary of the effect it could have on their 'wounded' opponents.
"As much as we are favourites, we're proud of it and embrace it, we're under no illusions the task ahead of us is strong and we're going to have to play very well if we are going to win the Ryder Cup."
"I had lunch with John Jacobs, forefather of the European Tour, last month and there was tears in his eyes when he talks about how far we, and the European Tour, have come in Ryder Cups in terms of going into matches now as favourites.
"The strength we have in the European Tour is something we should be proud of. We have the No 1 player in the world, the most exciting prospect in the game in Rory McIlroy.
"Martin Kaymer won the US Open, Justin Rose last year and on and on and on in terms of performances - all something we should be proud of.
"We shouldn't be ashamed of it, but at the same time we'll be very aware it could galvanise America and it probably will.
"They are very much a wounded animal after the last Ryder Cup and the manner of the defeat, and Tom Watson will be reminding them of that and I think they will be very formidable.
"As much as we are favourites, we're proud of it and embrace it, we're under no illusions the task ahead of us is strong and we're going to have to play very well if we are going to win the Ryder Cup.
"But it (being favourite) is not something we are going to worry about - we're embracing it and enjoying it that we have come so far to be favourites going in against the might of the Americans."
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