ZANDVOORT, Netherlands (PA) -- So, if it comes down to this next weekend, who should it be for the European Ryder Cup team? Colin Montgomerie or Darren Clarke?

Two of the biggest names in European golf are at the mercy of another, but if Captain Nick Faldo has not made his mind up yet, then Clarke has been doing his claims a power of good in Holland so far this week.

While Montgomerie prepares for his final chance to impress at next week's Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles in his native Scotland, Clarke's 66 on Saturday put him three shots ahead with 36 holes to go in the KLM Open.

Faldo has two wild cards to hand out next Sunday, Aug. 31, and Paul Casey is probably the favorite for the first of them after his recent run.

British Open runner-up Ian Poulter may also need one, but still has hopes of taking one of the 10 automatic qualifying spots that also will be decided Aug. 31.

Montgomerie and Clarke are too far back to make it on points, so what Faldo has to decide is how much they bring to the party.

Massive experience in both their cases, of course. The 45-year-old Scot has been a member of the last eight sides, the 40-year-old Clarke the last five.

They have both played inspirational roles. Montgomerie, only one and a half points short of Faldo's all-time Ryder Cup points record, has never lost in singles, and Padraig Harrington has been singing his praises, saying he would love to have him as a partner for a fourth match in a row.

Clarke, though, has won his last four maches in partnership with Lee Westwood -- and six of the last seven -- and two years ago at the K Club gave a phenomenal performance only six weeks after the death of his wife, recording victories in all his three matches.

Montgomerie is on more shaky ground if current form is playing a big part in Faldo's head. He has struggled badly since his second-place finish at the French Open at the end of June, but there is still Gleneagles to come and he has played well there in the past.

His last title, however, was in July of 2007, while Clarke won in China in April and only three weeks ago tied for sixth at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational.

Montgomerie was 77th out of 80 there and then 149th out of 156 at the PGA Championship. Clarke also missed the cut, but by three shots rather than 12.

"I need to play well this week and next week and so far this week I've done that," said Clarke. "If Nick then feels I am worthy of a pick, so be it. If not, then that's acceptable.

"My attitude is just pretty good," he added. "I've taken a lot of pressure off myself and feel comfortable. I've been playing well and I'm in a good position now."

Copyright 2008 PA Sport. All rights reserved.