by Terry Phillips, South Wales Echo

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink proved he is fit and ready for action after making a scoring start to his Cardiff City career.

The former Chelsea striker bagged a brace of goals in City's 4-2 win friendly at Hereford United behind closed doors and looks likely to be included in the matchday 16 for this Saturday's Championship home clash with Coventry City.

Dave Jones, who watched the private game at Edgar Street, wouldn't comment about Hasselbaink's double, as both clubs went to great lengths to ensure the match was out of the public eye.

But Hereford coach John Trewick described the Dutch striker as 'fantastic' and labelled his two goals as 'outstanding.'

Hasselbaink is unlikely to be joined by Robbie Fowler and Riccy Scimeca who were late withdrawals from the friendly after Jones went along with medical advice the pair would benefit more from training than playing in a match.

Fowler and Scimeca are now in line to play for the Bluebirds in next Wednesday's reserve home team clash with Plymouth Argyle, with their first league involvement possibly coming against Norwich at Carrow Road on September 1.

But Hasselbaink, who came through pre-season training with Chelsea's reserve team, proved he is in shape for league action. The 35-year-old scored his brace in the first half before leaving the field after an hour. Lee Byrne grabbed the other goals for Cardiff.

Cardiff coach Paul Wilkinson said: "It was a good workout and Jimmy came through well."