Sir Nick Faldo is an a*******! Sam Torrance blasts 'pathetic' criticism of Sergio Garcia before Ryder Cup 

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Sam Torrance has criticised Sir Nick Faldo for labelling Sergio Garcia 'useless' on the eve of September's Ryder Cup.

Faldo caused controversy by questioning Garcia's attitude during the 2008 contest when the Englishman led Europe to their only Ryder Cup defeat since 1999.

Spaniard Garcia insisted he was happy to 'forgive and forget' in the wake of Europe's 16.5-11.5 victory at Gleneagles but Torrance, who served as one of Paul McGinley's vice captains, was not so willing to move on.

Sergio Garcia (right) celebrates Ryder Cup success with Rory McIlroy at Gleneagles in September

But Garcia was on the losing side in 2008 under the captaincy of Sir Nick Faldo (left)

Sam Torrance (left) and Nick Faldo are two legends of European golf and former Ryder Cup captains

'To say that right in the middle of the Ryder Cup, what was the a******* thinking about?', he told the latest issue of Bunkered magazine.

'The reaction in the team room was magnificent. The guys rallied round Garcia like he was an injured, well, goose.

'Really, it was pathetic from Faldo. I've no idea where he was coming from with that stuff. You can even quote me on that, I don't care.

'He's an a*******. It was beyond belief that one of our greatest ever players would come out with a comment like that.

'Garcia's not a team player? Have a look in the mirror, pal.

Faldo is a six-time major winner but was unable to inspire Europe to victory in golf's biggest team competition

Garcia, hailed as 'incredible' by Torrance, was in action at the Thailand Golf Championship last week

'Garcia's one of the best team players we have. He's an incredible kid, with the heart of a lion and he's incredible in the team room.

'Really, I've just no idea where those comments came from.'

Torrance captained the Europeans to victory at the Belfry in 2002 and, while he criticised Faldo, he was full of praise for McGinley, who was crowned Coach of the Year at the BBC Sports Personality of the Year awards on Sunday.

'I think Paul McGinley is the best captain there has ever been, there's no question about that in my mind,' he added. 'He was absolutely extraordinary.'