DAVID Howell has warned Europe they are coming up against a more united America in this weekend’s Ryder Cup – but is still backing Paul McGinley’s side to keep the trophy on this side of the Atlantic.

Swindon ace Howell, a member of two winning European teams in 2004 and 2006, believes conditions at Gleneagles – where play was due to start tomorrow morning – could ultimately swing the outcome in the home side’s favour.

But Howell, working at the event as part of Sky Sports’ coverage in Scotland, has been impressed by the togetherness – not always evident in USA teams of the past – of Tom Watson’s men in the build-up.

“They seem very united, they seem to have a great team spirit,’’ he told the Swindon Advertiser.

“The last time they won at Valhalla (in 2008) Tiger (Woods) wasn’t in the team and he’s not this time, maybe that’s an indicator.

“They could never find anyone to partner him and he was the best player in the world, which is a problem in a strange way.

“When you look at the last 20 years, they haven't won enough, this year there’s plenty of fresh young blood in the side, and there will be a massive determination for them.’’ He added: “I think the teams are evenly balanced in general. Our rookies are very strong, as are theirs.

“The deciding factor is going to be the conditions and the course. We are going to be more au fait than the Americans. Windy, cool conditions are something they aren’t experienced playing in anywhere near as much as we do.

“Ultimately the team that holes the most putts will win. It’s autumnal golf, in the wind, up a hill that they don’t experience as much as we do.

“That familiarity that we have will just win the day. It will be close but I do think we’ll win.’’ Howell backed Rory McIlroy to spearhead Europe’s victory charge, saying: “I think the course suits Rory.

“He has got the problem of being partnered with someone not as good as him, which can bring you down. It’s the problem of being the world’s best player in a team sport.

“But Rory will have a decent week, he might lead the team with a number of points.

“For the Americans, (Rickie) Fowler has had a standout year without winning. He’ll play well this week – the two young stars will be the headliners.’’ It’s now eight years since Howell helped Ian Woosnam’s side to an emphatic victory at the K Club in Ireland, the second and, so far, last of his appearances in the event.

“For ages I wanted to be here, he added. “I’d love to play on another one. It’s not something that I stress about, there’s no point worrying about not playing in the Ryder Cup, my goal is playing we’ll enough to be in it.

“I don’t sit here gutted not to be (playing), but it’s always a goal.’’