Sydney, March 13 (IANS): Former West Indies captain Brian Lara says he is impressed with current skipper Jason Holder who is leading the regional outfit on a desperate campaign to secure a quarter-final berth in the cricket World Cup.

Batting legend Lara said he is impressed with the potential of the young all-rounder, and he is confident Holder will develop into a good leader if he is given the backing of the West Indies Cricket Board, reports CMC.

“I am a Jason Holder fan. I like his approach to leadership and the way he has gone about his game,” declared Lara.

“I can see him developing into the kind of leader who will give years of service to West Indies cricket, given the right kind of support.”

Lara credits the Barbadian pacer for sensible batting against both South Africa and India where he scored half centuries in both innings, to put several of his more illustrious teammates in the shade.

“Several of the so-called senior men on the team should hold their heads in shame after watching how sensibly he batted,” said Lara.

“They should take example from him.”

Holder, 23, became the 50-over skipper when he replaced Dwayne Bravo, who was sacked following the controversial abandoned tour of India late last year.

Former West Indies coach Gibson believes Holder could become an excellent leader over time but feels he should currently be focusing on bettering himself.

“But from all indications, he is a quick learner. I am sure he will get it right soon,” explained Lara.

“…the way I see it, we have a young man with the qualities that can revive our game.”

The Caribbean cricketers are battling for a spot in the quarterfinals from Pool B and need to beat the United Arab Emirates convincingly and hope other results go their way, in order to qualify for the next round.

They face the UAE in their crucial World Cup fixture in Napier on Sunday.

“A quarterfinal spot would be a good thing to have under his belt,” said Lara.

“And if West Indies gets there, who knows what can happen.”