Jose Maria Olazabal is willing to be considered for the 2010 Ryder Cup captaincy, despite leading Europe to defeat at this week's Royal Trophy.
The Spaniard oversaw a 10-6 loss to Asia in the annual team matchplay event at the Amata Country Club near Bangkok.
Olazabal, who was Nick Faldo's deputy when Europe surrendered the Ryder Cup to the United States in Valhalla last September, has previously been non-committal on the issue.
And, while he would still prefer to play his way onto the team at Celtic Manor, the 42-year-old – who has battled rheumatism in recent years – is not willing to rule anything out.
"I would love to be considered, I'm not going to deny that," he said.
"I've never denied that being captain of the Ryder Cup is something really special, it's a privilege, but it's always been like that.
"If now is the right time or not, I'm not sure. I would love to be playing – if these guys allow me."
Olazabal's comments are likely to come as a boost to the European Tour's 15-man tournament committee, who meet in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday with the subject of Faldo's successor on the agenda.
The two-time Masters champion suggested next week may be too early for him to commit to the role so any decision could be delayed until the committee meet again in May during the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
Sandy Lyle and Ian Woosnam – skipper for Europe's victory at the K Club in 2006 – are the other front-runners for the job.
