Marlon Samuels

Middle-order batsman Marlon Samuels is hoping for a 'positive' return, when the West Indies oppose Ireland in the opening game of a two-match Twenty20 International series at Sabina Park.

The 33-year-old, who recently did minor surgery on his wrist, is slated to play his first competitive match since last year.

"The intention is to make a positive return as since the operation I have been putting in a lot of work," Samuels said yesterday at Sabina Park, following the team's first training session since arriving in Jamaica on Sunday.

"I have been in the nets batting and have been hitting the ball fairly well, so the hope is that everything will remain the same throughout the series."

Samuels, whose last game was against New Zealand last December, is set to form the core of West Indies batting line-up along with opener Chris Gayle, who is also returning from injury.

The big-hitting Gayle has been carrying a hamstring injury since last November and along with Samuels, was recently passed fit to resume duties.

"It is always a joy to play in front of your home crowd, and I know the guys are up and ready to compete," Samuels said.

"Ireland may not be a superpower in cricket, but it is Twenty20 and given the nature of the format, it is here that they are more than likely to upset big teams. It means, therefore, that we will need to buckle down and play the cricket that we know."

The Twenty20 series, which will have its final game on Friday, will be followed by a solitary one-day international at the same venue on Sunday.