By Nick Rodger

MUIRFIELD (Reuters) - Colin Montgomerie vowed on Monday to reclaim his European Ryder Cup place in 2010 after missing out on a wildcard for this month's clash with the U.S.

The 45-year-old Briton's run of eight successive Ryder Cup campaigns was ended on Sunday when captain Nick Faldo named Paul Casey and Ian Poulter as his two wildcard selections for the September 19-21 match in Kentucky.

"I haven't played my last Ryder Cup," said Montgomerie. "My career has been based on my consistency.

"I have had something like 180 top-10s in Europe over the years, more than anyone else, but this year it has simply not been good enough," he told reporters while on a corporate day in his native Scotland.

The eight-times European number one, unbeaten in eight Ryder Cup singles matches since his debut at Kiawah Island in 1991, has mustered only three top-10 finishes this campaign.

GREAT COMPETITION

"The competition for places was great this season and I was maybe fourth or fifth on the list (for a wildcard)," said Montgomerie. "In that respect I almost expected not to get in.

"It's the end of an era if you like and it's disappointing but I'm determined to get back in the team.

"It's going to be hard as the standard is getting better all the time but if I can play my best golf, the golf I know I can play, then I will get back again."

Fellow Briton Darren Clarke was also a contender for a wildcard after winning last month's Dutch Open but Montgomerie refused to criticize Faldo's selections.

"I think he picked the two players he thought would get the most points and let's hope they do," said the Scot. "Darren has put up with a lot worse in his life than this, as have I.

"There's a lot more to life than the Ryder Cup. But, even at 45, it's not my last yet."

The 2010 Ryder Cup will be staged at Celtic Manor in Wales.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez)