West Indies cricket legend Clive Lloyd believes victory in the World Cup would be a crucial boost to morale in the Caribbean.

Lloyd led the West Indies to victory in the first two World Cups in 1975 and 1979 but the Windies have failed since to add a third title to their names.

"I think we can be a very formidable side. We are not too far off. This competition might give us the lift that is needed," Lloyd said on Thursday.

"It's the same thing that happened in 1975, we won the World Cup when Australia were supposed to be the winners of it and from that we moved further up the ladder.

"I know that these guys (West Indies), if they can understand what is waiting for them out there, can give the West Indies people something to really be proud of, which they can and I hope they can do that in this World Cup because I can see that is the lift that we need.

"It would be magnificent effort to do so (win the World Cup). People are calling other teams but they are still thinking that West Indies have a very good chance. It would give us that type of boost that is needed in the region," he told the West Indies official website.

Lloyd, now an ICC match referee, has worked closely with Brian Lara's side.

He was appointed as special advisor to the team during their ICC Champions Trophy campaign in India last October and was credited with helping the team improve their performances as they reached the final of the tournament.

"You look at when they are batting and bowling or whatever and you try and work on the little things," Lloyd explained.

"You don't want to give them too many things because you can't change people overnight but you just give them enough that will improve their play and hopefully with the other people who are around - the other coaches - that we manage to put things together.

"Let's hope they have inculcated all the other things we have spoken to them about and that it will come to fruition in this World Cup."

(Article: Copyright © 2007 AFP)