FRESH from reviving hopes of a Riverside win over the West Indies with his fifth Test century, Paul Collingwood is the leading candidate to become the England one-day captain later this week.

Just hours after the 31-year-old brought his country back into contention for third Test win over the tourists with a stunning 128 knock in front of his friends and family, Michael Vaughan confirmed he was stepping down as skipper of the one-day side.

And when chairman of selectors David Graveney announces the squad to take on the West Indies in two Twenty20 matches and three ODIs on Friday, Collingwood is the front-runner to take over Vaughan's mantle. If he does, the man from Shotley Bridge will become the first player to captain England while playing for Durham.

Kevin Pietersen has also been touted as a contender, although the world's number one one-day batsman has previously suggested it is too early for him to make the step up. Collingwood, however, would relish the challenge.

"If I was asked it would be hard to turn down," said Collingwood, who joked his CV includes a season as Durham Under-13s captain. "But there will be a few people up for the job so we will have to wait and see who the best man for the job is."

Vaughan, who has yet to score a century in 86 ODI outings, will channel his attention towards the Test game, having stepped down. The 32-year-old led the one day side in 60 matches, winning 32 of those and losing 22 since taking over from Nasser Hussain in 2003.

Unlikely to be in contention for the next World Cup, the Yorkshire batsman admits that whoever succeeds him is likely to want to look to the future - meaning his days of playing at that level could also be over.

"I will continue to play one-day cricket for Yorkshire and it is not my intention to retire from one-day international cricket as a player," said Vaughan. "I do, however, fully appreciate the new captain will need a period of time to establish his own authority over the team."

But Collingwood does feel that splitting the England captaincy - like Australia have in the past - could work to England's advantage.

"Michael feels it's time to move on," said the Durham all-rounder, who reached three figures on his first Test appearance at his home ground. "We have had some disappointing results at the World Cup and our one-day form has not been great. Maybe there was too much on his shoulders."

Before the selectors confirm Vaughan's successor Collingwood will be hoping England can make the most of a promising day at Riverside and complete a third win of the series today.

After starting yesterday on 121-4, Collingwood's century pushed England to a 113-run first innings lead.

Collingwood and Matthew Prior - with 62 - put on 139 in a single session after lunch when the West Indies' bowling disintegrated into the North-East air.

And, after becoming the first Durham player to hit a Test century beneath Lumley Castle, he admitted he will never forget this particular performance.

"It is an over used term but it was a dream come true," he said. "It is a special day. To get three figures to put us in a strong position in front of my mam and dad, baby Shannon, and my wife is so special.

"I haven't scored too many first-class centuries here but the wicket is getting better. I know I have struggled here and playing on your home ground can put pressure on you. But to create history like I have is fantastic and it hasn't sunk in."

At the close of play the West Indies remain 30 behind England and have already lost the wickets of Devon Smith, captain Daren Ganga and Runako Morton.

If they can make quick inroads this morning, England could still win a match that appeared destined for a draw.

"Today was a good day for us but Tuesday has to be a better day for us," said Collingwood. "We have to be ruthless and Tuesday will be a real opportunity. It will be another hard fought win but I believe we have the players capable of doing it."