RYDER Cup winner David Howell says Europe’s star players have to step up to the plate if they are to win the trophy again in Minnesota this year.

The 41-year-old told the Swindon Advertiser that stellar names such as Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson will need to be at their ‘brilliant best’ if Europe are to triumph for the fourth time in a row.

“I would look to Rose, Stenson and McIlroy to do what they have done before, performing to their brilliant best and winning points,” said Howell.

“Rory is on fire, I think we are going to have two stalwart pairings. Rose and Stenson could be our number one pairing and they’re going to have to win the points.

“Should they come away with a negative record, then I think we are going to struggle, so the burden is on those guys really.

“I would back them to do well, with the way Rory is playing, Rose with his Olympic win and Stenson who has had a great year.

“They have to stand up, be counted and have a terrific Ryder Cup if we are to win. The rookies aren’t going to win all of their matches, so the rest have got to pick up the slack.”

Europe are captained by Darren Clarke and Howell believes he will bring a relaxed approach.

“Darren will be a different type of captain, he’s not going to over-think it in terms of man-management,’’ he added.

“He’ll put his arm round the rookies. His job is to try and make them feel great about themselves and empower them.

“I’m sure he’ll do it in a relaxed way. There will be a lot of laughter as he tries not to make it too serious. He’ll try and create a ‘lad’ culture, which will suit the young lads. He’s an ideal captain for them.” While the USA team looks strong on paper, Howell believes they are lacking in form.

“Their team is full of strong players but they’re not all on form. Phil Mickleson isn’t on form, Jordan Speith isn’t having the best of times,” added Howell. “I can see why America picked Tiger Woods (as a vice-captain). It’s nice for him to be involved. What I think is stranger is they’ve just picked Bubba Watson to be a vice captain “They overlooked him for the team and then picked him as a vice captain, I don’t understand that one.

“As strong as their team is on paper I don’t think they’re on form as a bunch of 12 players and the pressure is right on their shoulders. They’ve got to win one of these things soon.

“That is what is in our favour, the pressure is on America having not won in a while as they’re playing at home and the effort they’ve gone to picking their team.”