Newly-appointed Solheim Cup vice-captain Mel Reid has supported Catriona Matthew's surprise inclusion of Suzann Pettersen in the European team.

Pettersen, 38, was selected by the 49-year-old Scot despite being ranked 620th in the world and recently missing the cut after two rounds in the Aberdeen Standard Investments Ladies Scottish Open.

Europe are looking for a first victory against the United States since 2013 when they take to the course on September 13 and Reid is in no doubt Pettersen is a valuable addition to the team.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Reid said: "Suzann was always going to be a pick for me.

"That's just the way her mindset is. She is one of the mentally strongest players I have ever had the privilege of playing with.

"We need that kind of experience in this team and I feel that's what we've lacked in previous years."

Meanwhile, Matthew has come out herself to defend her selection, defiantly insisting it is the right pick.

Matthew said: “It’s not a gamble, not at all. I am 100 per cent confident in that pick.

“Suzann brings variations in partnerships, she can play either format.

"That experience, knowing I could rely on her to step up in the heat of the moment, means for me it was an easy pick.”

Team Europe: Carlota Ciganda, Anne van Dam, Caroline Hedwall, Charley Hull, Georgia Hall, Azahara Munoz, Caroline Masson, Anna Nordqvist, Suzann Pettersen, Jodi Ewart Shadoff, Bronte Law, Celine Boutier.