Jermaine Lannaman, Star Writer

Former West Indies opener and Jamaica Under-19 coach, Robert Samuels, said it would virtually be like a dream come through if he were to fill the position of West Indies Under-19 head coach.

The position, which became vacant following the departure of Roddy Estwick, is set to be filled shortly ahead of the West Indies Under-19 hosting Bangladesh Under-19 in a seven-match one-day series in Guyana next month.

Samuels, it is understood, is among a short list of candidates who are seeking to replace Estwick, who guided West Indies Under-19 to the quarter-finals of the 2012 ICC Youth World Cup.

Estwick's former assistant , another former West Indies batsman, Stuart Williams, is also said to be in the reckoning.

"As a player, the aspiration was to play for the West Indies, and as coach it is no different. I would like to coach at the highest levels," said Samuels.

"It is something I love doing and something I have a passion for, as, for me, it is an opportunity to give back.

"I therefore, look forward to continuing the work I have been doing with the Jamaica Under-19, and the hope is that one day it will lead to even greater things."

Samuels, who played six Tests and eight one-day internationals at averages 37.2 and 18, respectively, has been coaching Jamaica Under-19s for four seasons.

Little success

In his first two seasons he enjoyed little success, marshalling Jamaica to lower table finishes in both the three-day league and 50-over knockout tournaments.

However, after seemingly getting the hang of things, he has since had gradual success, leading Jamaica to the three-day title last year, before retaining it this year.

The 42-year-old also guided Jamaica to the 50-overs title this year, thus allowing the team to capture the coveted double.

And, if that was not all, Samuels, elder brother to current West Indies batsman, Marlon Samuels, had the distinction earlier this week of seeing six members of his team gaining call-ups to the West Indies Under-19 squad.

They include returning fast bowler Marquino Mindley, captain and off-spinner, Ramaal Lewis, all-rounder Fabian Allen, and batsmen Tristan Coleman, Leroy Lug, and Brandon King.

The West Indies-Bangladesh Under-19 series, which is aimed at preparing both teams for next year's ICC Youth World Cup in United Arab Emirates, will be contested between October 7 and 21.