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World number three Lee Westwood has claimed that he will be fit to play in the Ryder Cup in two weeks' time.

The 37-year-old's summer has been blighted by a calf injury that has sidelined him completely for the last six weeks, but he is convinced he has recovered enough to take his place in the European side to face the USA at Celtic Manor.

"I am pretty strong at the moment," the 37-year-old Englishman told the Golf Channel.

"I would be fine playing in all five matches (at the Ryder Cup).

"I haven't had any pain for three weeks. I've made great progress."

A badly swollen right calf and ankle has kept Westwood out since the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio in early August.

He plans to compete in a two-day charity event in Scotland early next week before playing 36 holes in one day later in the week to guarantee he can withstand two rounds in a day if called upon by European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie.

"I haven't had an (alcoholic) drink in four weeks," said Westwood. "I have lost 12 pounds since the Open (in July).

"I just want to replicate the Ryder Cup with two matches in one day."

The Englishman, who has played in the biennial team event against the US on six previous occasions, has seven times finished in the top five at Major championships without achieving a breakthrough victory.

Reuters