The vote was taken last night in Dubai by the players’ committee as to who should move into the seat vacated by Bernhard Langer following the record-breaking win in Detroit last September.

Four of the 2004 side were on the committee making the decision – Colin Montgomerie, Darren Clarke, Paul McGinley and Miguel Angel Jimenez. So was Langer and his two assistants at Oakland Hills, Thomas Bjorn and Joakim Haeggman.

Andrew Coltart and vice-chairman Jean Van de Velde played in America in 1999 and the other members are all former tour winners – chairman Jamie Spence, Roger Chapman, Henrik Stenson, Mark Roe and Robert Lee, now best known as a television commentator.

All refused to reveal the result of the vote ahead of a press conference due to be held at 7.30 am GMT, but Haeggman did suggest that a unanimous decision had been achieved.

“We talked it over for an hour and we all agreed with the decision,” he told The Times. “I think everybody will be happy.”

Although Sandy Lyle had also declared an interest, he accepted defeat as he told the same newspaper: “I don’t think I have any enemies on the golf circuit, but nobody has said a word. I am disappointed, but I have had a lot of disappointment in my golfing life.”

Woosnam served as Sam Torrance’s assistant for the 2002 victory at The Belfry and wanted to be captain last year.

Faldo was standing for the first time and his last involvement in the match was to have a good luck letter to the 1999 team thrown in a dustbin by then captain Mark James.

A look at the candidates:

NICK FALDO. Most caps, most points, most wins, more majors than any other European in history. Nobody can knock the credentials. Had a run-in with 1999 captain Mark James, though, and while James is no longer chairman or even a member of the committee making the decision it could be that Woosnam’s more sociable nature helps him win the vote.

SANDY LYLE. Has not been involved in a Ryder Cup since 1987 and that cannot improve his chances. Like Woosnam he declared his interest in becoming captain of the 2004 team and lost out to Bernhard Langer. No question about his popularity either, but Woosnam has been an assistant captain and Faldo has greater stature in the game.

IAN WOOSNAM. Served as Sam Torrance’s right-hand man for the 2002 win at The Belfry and, having failed to win the race for 2004, is the favourite now ahead of Faldo, his former partner. Ryder Cup will be in Wales for the first time in five years, but he would be 52 then and if he does miss out now he will surely be given 2008.