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 theladder.

"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.