IRELAND coach Phil Simmons was interviewed for the job of West Indies coach in January, the Irish Daily Star can reveal.

Ireland beat the Windies in their World Cup opener last week and continued their campaign against UAE in a game that started at 3.30am this morning.

Yesterday the Star reported that sources in the Caribbean were saying it was a “done deal” and Simmons would take over in time for the England tour in April.

But Cricket Ireland supremo Warren Deutrom yesterday explained that Simmons had been interviewed a month ago and had told his players his “hat was in the ring”.

“We were approached in early January by the West Indies Cricket Board who asked our permission, out of courtesy, to approach Phil to apply for the vacant national coaching position.

“We are aware that Phil had an initial interview in mid-January but had not heard anything else until this week about the next stage of the process.

“Therefore, the unfortunate leak from the source would appear to be pure speculation - although that doesn't mean that Phil isn't obviously a strong candidate in a process that is, or at least should, be confidential.

“Given the speculation, I am aware that Phil has notified the players that his hat is in the ring for the position, and he has agreed to keep us fully updated so that we can plan accordingly.

“In the meantime, given the task in hand, no-one from the squad will be answering any questions about this until after our departure from the World Cup.”

Simmons took over as Ireland coach almost eight years ago and signed a two-year contract extension in December 2013.

“It's the only job Phil would quit Ireland for,” one insider said. “Cricket Ireland wouldn't stand in his way.”

Last summer there was strong speculation that Simmons would apply for the Windies job when Ottis Gibson was sacked but he would not be drawn on the issue.

“I'm not going to comment on anything about West Indies cricket”, he said at the time.

A Cricket Ireland spokesman in Brisbane said last night that Simmons would not be making any comment.

Simmons (51) played 26 tests and 143 ODIs for West Indies, and his second cousin Lendl scored a century against Ireland last week.