MANAGER Steve Cuss is confident Tom Jeffes has the quality to become a Southern League hotshot at Cuthbury.

The Wimborne Town boss gave his verdict on the ex-Poole Town frontman after he had netted the opener in Magpies’ 1-1 draw at Clevedon Town on Saturday.

Jeffes, who had previously spent time on loan with Wimborne, joined permanently from Division One South & West rivals Poole this month after finding his first-team opportunities limited at Tatnam.

Cuss told the Daily Echo: “I believe Tom can score goals at this level and he has already got a couple since he came back on a permanent basis.

“By his own admission, he is probably a bit short on games. But his work-rate and quality of play alongside Matt Kemble on Saturday was pleasing.

“I feel we have good competition for places in the striker department, with Tom, Russell Cook and Matt Kemble, who has had a good season.”

Jeffes struck on 25 minutes to put Wimborne in front at Clevedon, only for Leigh Edwards-Samuels to equalise on the hour.

Brad Magookin came close to hitting a winner for Magpies but his effort rattled the woodwork.

Cuss added: “I was really pleased with the performance. We were lively in the first 45 minutes, in particular, and created chances and still looked solid at the back.”

Magpies: Harvell, Arnold, Cole, Roast, Peprah-Annan, Webb, Davidson, Magookin, Ward (Cream, 80), Kemble (Cullen, 87), Jeffes. Unused subs: Mogg, Battison, Ackerman (g/k).