Fellow Scot Martin Laird muscled his way to within three shots of the lead on day three of the Barclays Championship and then threw his weight behind Russell Knox is not deserving of a Hazeltine ‘wildcard’ pick.

Laird has known Knox for many years and before Knox began making an impact on the PGA Tour.

The pair are also fellow Aberdeen Asset Management ambassadors.

“Russell’s results this season has been impressive but then I am not surprised.  He and I have played numerous practice rounds together and he has the perfect demeanour for a Ryder Cup,” said Laird after finishing at six under par on day three at Bethpage Park.

“He also knows he’s good but then he goes about his golf not intimidated by anyone or anything.

Russell Knox (back to camera) and Martin Laird at a Scottish Open promotion function.

“I would go so far to say he is one of the most underrated players out here on the PGA Tour, and I also know his caddy well and his caddy had been telling me for years, and before he won his first Tour title, just how good Russell is.

“But then when it comes to the Ryder Cup I don’t always buy that one guy is better playing in Europe whereas another is better if he played the Ryder Cup in the States.

“We saw that Russell nearly won the Irish Open and took Rory (McIlroy) needing to pull off two career best shots down the final few holes to beat Russell.

“We saw Russell also won a WGC out in China and he’s won here in the States while he forced Rory into playing two of the best 3-woods he will ever hit, so it’s going to be hard for Darren not to pick him.

“To be honest, I don’t know who is in the mix for a wildcard pick but I can’t find an argument why you should not pick Russell.

“And it has to go back to Russell’s demeanour as he’s not going to be over-awed by the occasion or scared of what he’s going to face at Hazeltine, and I’ve known that since I first met him”.