Darren Clarke and Colin Montgomerie will play no part in next month's Ryder Cup after Nick Faldo confirmed Ian Poulter and Paul Casey as the two wild-card selections in his European team for Valhalla.

It is the first time Montgomerie – second only behind Faldo in the all-time points-scoring list for Europe – has missed the event since 1989, a run of eight successive Ryder Cups, though Clarke is a more surprising omission on current form, having won twice on the European Tour this season.

The Ulsterman has fought back from 258th in the world following the loss of his wife Heather to cancer just before the last match, to his current ranking just outside the top 50.

He was also the inspiration of the 2006 team in Ireland, producing a stunning three wins out of three amid such emotional scenes.

Clarke said in a statement tonight: "Nick rang me after my last round at Gleneagles to say that I wasn't going to be one of his picks and I simply wished him all the best.

"Obviously I am disappointed that I wasn't selected, but I have dealt with much worse and it will make me all the more determined to make the team that will play in Wales next time.

"There was a qualifying period and I didn't make it automatically, so you will not hear any sour grapes from me. I couldn't have tried any harder and I devoted myself to the European Tour to give myself the best possible chance, but although I have won twice this year it obviously wasn't enough.

"I fully respect the captain's decision and I would like to wish him and his team all the very best for Valhalla."

Montgomerie also issued a statement wishing the team luck. "Although I am, of course, very disappointed not to have played my way into the team or into contention for a pick, I am delighted at the obvious strength and depth of the European team," he said.

"Our line-up is fantastic, headed up by Padraig [Harrington] who is playing the best golf in the world right now and I am utterly confident the team will triumph again this year."

After indifferent form for most of the year and by missing the last two events before this week’s Johnnie Walker Classic, the Scot knew that he would have to produce an exceptional performance at Gleneagles to secure the nod from Faldo.

Unfortunately, a disastrous third-round 76 dropped Montgomerie out of contention and he finished tied for 54th, 13 strokes behind the winner, Gregory Havret of France after a closing 71.