Colin Montgomerie will give Paul McGinley every chance to qualify for Europe's 2010 Ryder Cup team before deciding whether or not to include the Dubliner in his management team.
The Scot has confirmed Jose Maria Olazabal as his vice captain for the tournament at Celtic Manor but also wants McGinley on board - either as a player or assistant captain.
"It's good that Jose Maria has agreed to help but there is no rush for me to name my other assistants," Montgomerie insisted.
"We saw what an embarrassing situation it was for Paul McGinley when he said 'Yes' to being a vice-captain and then had to say 'No, as I would rather try and qualify'.
"So I've spoken with Jose Maria and I have said that we will get this right first off and that we will let Paul try and qualify first and then wait and see what happens.
"Paul is one of my closest friends and I get on very well with him. He's very astute and very intelligent.
"I will wait until The Open at St Andrews in 2010 [to confirm names] as I will have a far better idea then who else is going to help. [And] I will choose at least another two."
And, hinting at mistakes made in the past, Montgomerie is adamant that his reign as captain will be an open one.
"I want this to be a team," he insisted. "I will have everyone involved and I don't want anyone left in the dark - I feel that sometimes that has happened in the past, and only the chosen few have known.
"There will be no management issues or management cliques. Every tour member should feel a part of a Ryder Cup campaign."