That's the verdict of Trinidad and Tobago coach Francisco Maturana after the Sunderland striker scored the opening goal in last night's 3-0 success again Cuba, which clinched a place in the final World Cup Concacaf qualifying group.

Jones pounced in the 67th minute to inspire a victory clinched by further efforts from club-mate Dwight Yorke and Keon Daniel.

Maturana insisted: "I believe Kenwyne Jones has the capacity to be one of the best forwards in the world.

"He is a rock, and it's been a few years he's been like that."

Clubmate Yorke was delighted with the victory, commenting: "It was significant that we had this result because even though people felt this was going to be an easy game we didn't play particularly great in the first half.

"There was some tough talking at half-time. We got in at 0-0 but things could have gone the other way and we recognized that.

"Some harsh words were said and full credit to the players because they stepped up to the plate."

Yorke played in Jones for the vital opener and the striker fired under keeper Danis Quintero Chevans.

It was soon 2-0, with Jones returning the compliment when he set up Yorke inside the box and the veteran beat a defender before firing home a low, right-foot strike.

Sunderland winger Carlos Edwards – out on loan at Wolves – centred for Daniel to hit the third.

The Soca Warriors are now through to a six-team final qualifying group alongside the USA, Honduras, Mexico, Costa Rica and El Salvador. Three teams will qualify for the 2010 finals in South Africa, with the fourth-placed team entering a play-off against the fifth-top side in South America.