EUROPEAN Ryder Cup captain Ian Woosnam believes Justin Rose should "come home and start winning again" because he wants him in his team to face the Americans in 2006.

Woosnam fears Rose's decision this year to relocate and play full-time on the US PGA Tour may backfire.

Rose (pictured) has had just three top 25 finishes this season from 12 events and has dropped to 84th in the world - a far cry from his golden year in 2002 when he won four times worldwide.

Because of that mediocre form, Woosnam feels Rose should return to European Tour action to get his game in shape for the battle to secure a Ryder Cup slot with fellow young guns Ian Poulter, David Howell, Luke Donald and Paul Casey.

Woosnam, appointed skipper in March, said: "The way our youngsters are going, I could find myself with Europe's greatest team ever - especially if we can get Justin playing better.

"He is one of the guys I would like to see in my team because he definitely has the game for me. But he is struggling in the US and I haven't seen his name mentioned for quite a while - and that's a shame.

"He should think about coming home. It's a different world in America when things aren't going right for you. He'd be better off here."

Woosnam, 47, reasoned: "Last year, Luke was playing steadily enough in the States but when he decided to play in Europe he won two tournaments.

"From that, he went on to make an impressive Ryder Cup debut - and the same thing could happen to Justin.

"It's early days and I've not had the chance to talk to him yet, but I do feel for him and I'm thinking of him."

Rose is pleased to hear that he figures in Woosnam's Ryder Cup thinking - but he is set to stay put in the States for the time being.

He said: "It's good to hear that Woosie is thinking of me in terms of playing in the Ryder Cup. It's been an ambition of mine for a long time and I would dearly love to be teeing it up in Ireland with the European team next year.

"I will certainly be giving it my all to try and qualify, but I have no regrets about relocating to play in America. It was where I had my best results last year and everything is here that I need to progress and improve as a player."

Rose continued: "Yes, it's been way too long since I won or featured on a Sunday chasing for a title over the closing nine.

"This season has been a bit average so far but I feel my game is starting to click. My putting especially is getting better.

"I only missed out on a top 10 at New Orleans because I bogeyed 16 and 18 in my final round, so I have something encouraging to build on over the next few weeks."

Rose subsequently finished tied 44th in the Wachovia Championship last weekend and is now in Texas for two weeks as he competes in the EDS Byron Nelson Classic, which started yesterday, and the Bank of America Colonial, from May 19 to 22.

Woosnam fears he could face problems if leading European players like Rose continue to compete extensively in the US next year.

He said: "There must be a dozen key players playing the US Tour at the moment. It's a bit of a predicament. I'm worried how the team may work out if the guys keep playing in America.

"It's only five from the world rankings and five from Europe - with the amount over there, there could be too many trying to qualify via the world table."

The qualifying rules were changed shortly before last year's competition to allow players to earn points via the world rankings rather than just through the European Tour's Order of Merit.

Five automatic berths are allocated to each qualification method, with the captain selecting two wildcards to make up the 12-strong team.

Most of the triumphant European Ryder Cup team from Oakland Hills have based themselves in the US this season, having been handed temporary memberships of the American tour.

The 36th Ryder Cup will be played at the K Club in Ireland from September 22 to 24, 2006.