Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke gave the strongest hint yet in naming at least two of his Hazeltine vice-captains.

While rival USA captain Davis Love 111 has made public four of his five vice-captains, Clarke has yet named one and will not do so officially for some months.

However after leading Europe to a three-point lead on day one of the EurAsia Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Clarke singled out close companion Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter as likely vice-captains later this year in Minnesota.

Westwood, a veteran of seven Ryder Cups, and Poulter, who has played in five including helping motivate Europe to victory in 2012 at Medinah, are team mates under Clarke’s leadership this week in Malaysia.

Lee Westwood more than likely to be heading to Hazeltine. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

Poulter holed the very first birdie on day one in Malaysia and with Austrian giant Bernd Wiesberger also grabbed the opening point with a 4 & 3 demolition of their Asian rivals.

Westwood, competing in the last match, gelled with Chris Wood to win 2 & 1 that secured a 3 ½ to 1 ½ lead over Jeev Milkha Singh’s Asian men.

However if both Westwood and Poulter fail to qualify automatically and also are overlooked as Ryder Cup team ‘wildcard’ picks then Clarke is not about to close the door on their team talents.

He said:  “Would I expect Lee and Poults to get close to the (Ryder Cup) team at the end of the year?  Definitely I would expect both to get close.

“The wild card selections come September will probably be based upon who is already in the team.

“If there’s older experience guys on the team, then maybe I’ll go for young.  If it’s all youth, then I’m going to go towards the likes of Poults or Lee.”

However there is one already assured of being among Clarke’s Hazeltine ‘back roo

Darren Clarke’s closest friend Eamon Hughes who will be heading to Hazeltine. (Photo – Eoin Clarke/www.golffile.ie)

m’ team and that’s long-time close friend Eamon Hughes.

Hughes has been spotted all week in Kuala Lumpur by Clarke’s side and also riding with him about the Glenmarie course in Clarke’s official ‘Captain’s’ cart.

On the eve of the event, Clarke had called on Hughes to join the team and 12 caddies in one of the official team photographs.

A European Tour staffer also confirmed Hughes, a resident also of Portrush, has been measured for Hazeltine European Team attire so will be accompanying Clarke also to the Ryder Cup.

“Eamon and I have known each other for 33 years and he caddies for me every time I play Royal Portrush,” said Clarke.

“Of course, he would never bounce any advice off me or offer and he’s with me this week purely for entertainment value (laughing).”