Poulter and Colsaerts finished 11th and 12th in the points race, whereas Harrington was down in 19th position.

Colsaerts, who has made the cut in only two majors and never played in the Ryder Cup, is also Europe’s biggest hitter and Olazabal appears to have placed the importance of that above the need for more experience.

Down at 1,305th in the world only three years ago, it completes a meteoric climb.

Much has been made of Harrington’s relationship with Olazabal, soured by a spat at the 2003 Seve Trophy, but the Dubliner does not believe that will have played any part.

“The one thing I don’t think anyone could accuse Jose of is not being competitive,” he said.

“I’ve got a better relationship than you think with him, but even if I had no relationship I think he’d still want to pick the 12 best guys.”