Jamal Campbell-Ryce is ready to face Cardiff City in next Tuesday's Severnside derby at Ashton Gate.

So says Bristol City manager Gary Johnson, who has now had three days in which to assess his new signing's fitness.

Campbell-Ryce became Bristol City's first January recruit when agreeing a two-and-a- half year deal on Tuesday.

And he promptly dismissed question marks over his match sharpness when taking part in a practice match involving a mixture of senior professionals and Academy youngsters at the club's Failand training headquarters.

Deployed on the left wing, the former Barnsley man contributed a goal assist and did enough to convince his new manager that he can play some part against the Bluebirds when Bristol City return to action next week.

"He's not far off being ready," said Johnson. "I thought he did really well in the practice match and looked quite sharp. Jamal was doing clever step-overs, going past defenders and getting in crosses – all the things we signed him to do in the first team.

"He showed me that he is ready to come straight into the squad for the Cardiff game."

Campbell-Ryce last started a game for Barnsley against Bristol City on October 24, since when he has spent a frustrating two-month spell on the substitutes' bench.

But Johnson, who is keen to play with two wingers against Cardiff on Tuesday, is satisfied his new addition is fit enough to cope with the physical demands of the Championship.

"We put Jamal through a rigorous medical and he came through with flying colours," said Johnson.

"He's trained well this week and has shown both pace and a good work-rate. It's now just a matter of whether or not he is ready to play a full 90 minutes.

"It's not as though we've brought in a player from a foreign country who needs time to adjust and settle in. Jamal knows the Championship inside out and can hit the ground running."

Speaking to the Evening Post after completing his first training session with his new team-mates, Campbell-Ryce said: "I really enjoyed playing in the practice match and I felt good.

"I've come here to play football and I'm ready and raring to go. I can't wait to make my debut and I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into Cardiff."

He added: "I already know a few of the boys, having played at Barnsley with Lewin Nyatanga and Colchester with Dean Gerken.

"David Clarkson, Gavin Williams and a few of the other senior professionals were involved in the training match and I'm getting to know all the names. I've been made to feel very welcome and I'm excited about living in a city like Bristol."