Thomas Bjorn opts for experience as he names Ryder Cup wildcards

Thomas Bjorn has named his four wildcards for the Ryder Cup, which begins in Paris on September 28, and the European captain has opted for experience in naming Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, Henrik Stenson and Paul Casey in the squad.

They will join Francesco Molinari, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, Alex Noren and Thorbjorn Olesen in the European team at Le Golf National.

While Poulter was always expected to make the line-up, Garcia's poor form left his participation in doubt, while Stenson has struggled with injuries and Casey has not played in the Ryder Cup since Europe lost at Valhalla in 2008.

There has been sustained betting support for the four picks over the last few days and Bjorn, who has five Ryder rookies in his team, will be looking to the quartet to add matchplay know-how to the squad.

Garcia is a veteran of eight Ryder Cups, winning five times, while Stenson has made four appearances and Casey three.

Poulter missed the 2016 Ryder Cup through injury but has played five times and was Europe's talisman as he won four points to help turn around the match at Medinah in 2012.

US captain Jim Furyk named three of his four wildcard picks on Tuesday and it was no surprise to see Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson included in the American team. They are joined by rookie Bryson DeChambeau, who has won the last two FedEx Cup playoff events.

Paddy Power rate Tony Finau a 2-9 chance to take the final spot in the US squad with Xander Schauffele available to back at 7-1 and Patrick Cantlay at 16-1.

The visiting Americans are a top-priced 10-11 to win the 2018 Ryder Cup (8-13 to retain the trophy) while Europe can be backed at 11-8 and the tie is 12-1.

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