The 22-year-old Taylor impressed with his searing speed and sharp movement in the recent Champions Trophy as he emerged the highest wicket-taker in the competition with 13 wickets.

The loose-limbed Taylor took a hat-trick to hand world champions and eventual winners Australia a surprise 10-run defeat in the league phase to set up an exciting tournament.

"Obviously he has got the pace, but apart from that he can also swing the ball which makes him impressive," Walsh said at a Jamaican tourism function.

Taylor's presence lends sharpness to the attack as West Indies, under the leadership of Brian Lara, aim to turn around their fortunes after a difficult phase when they plummeted in the Test and one-day rankings.

West Indies, who finished runners-up in the Champions Trophy, are now considered serious contenders in the World Cup that they host in March-April.

Walsh, 44, finished with 519 Test wickets when he retired in 2001. His departure left a huge vacuum as the West Indies, once a factory for quickies with the likes of Andy Roberts, Michael Holding and Malcolm Marshall, were unable to unearth a top-class strike bowler.

Taylor, currently with the national team in Pakistan, has played a handful of Tests and 23 one-dayers after making his international debut three years ago.