(CNN) -- In the heat of battle, it's best to have your key allies closest to you and European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley has certainly done that by naming two close friends as his vice-captains. His decision was eased by knowing that both Sam Torrance and Des Smyth have previously played major roles in leading Europe to victory. The Irishman now hopes they can do the same when the Europeans seek to defend the trophy at Gleneagles in Scotland in September. McGinley's compatriot Smyth was one of Ian Woosnam's vice captains in 2006 when Europe recorded their largest home victory -- by 18½ points to 9½ -- at the K Club in Ireland.
@highlight
Scotland's Sam Torrance and Irishman Des Smyth named as first European vice captains
@highlight
Captain Paul McGinley says he will wait for team line up before naming remaining vice captains
@highlight
Both Torrance and Smyth have won the competition before
@highlight
Opening day's play at WGC Championship suspended by dangerous weather
However, he does have the advantage of having known McGinley, now 47, since the @placeholder was a teenager.