Hereford United 1 Bristol City 2: If first impressions are anything to go by, Finnish international Alexei Eremenko deserves another opportunity to convince Bristol City manager Gary Johnson of his worth.

Capped 39 times by his country already, the 25-year-old midfield playmaker is eager to test himself in the Championship.

Based on the evidence of his performance at rain-swept Edgar Street, Eremenko certainly did his prospects of earning an Ashton Gate contract little harm.

Initially spotted by Bristol City chief scout Pete Johnson while playing for Russian club FC Saturn, the Finn accepted an invitation to try his luck in England.

He certainly made the most of his opportunity, producing an impressive performance against League Two Hereford before making way for Marlon Jackson eight minutes from time.

Johnson is prepared to cast his net far and wide in search of value for money and he explained: "It's wrong to describe Alexei as a trialist. He's an established international with a good pedigree.

"He's someone who was spotted by my brother, Pete, and we've had him watched a number of times, playing both for Finland and his club side in Russia.

"We've liked what we've seen and that's why we've decided to invite him over here so we can have a closer look."

Making light of treacherous conditions underfoot, Eremenko demonstrated an ability to read the game and a range of passing which caught the eye.

He was not alone in seeking to impress – the presence of Greek Under-21 international Grigoris Papazacharias lent City's line-up a Continental air.

Given a full 90 minutes in which to prove himself, the 24-year-old centre-back, who plays for Greek side Iraklis, did enough to suggest he might feature in further friendly fixtures against Ajax and Cheltenham Town this week.

"He's quick and strong and someone we've been monitoring," said manager Johnson. "The lad has captained his club, is a natural leader and is definitely worth having a look at."

As dress rehearsals go, this first warm-up game on English soil was by no means perfect. Hereford edged the first half, Marc Pugh creating the opening for former Yeovil striker Lee Morris to open the scoring on 29 minutes. New signing David Clarkson was denied an equaliser by the width of a goal-post, but City restored parity 17 minutes into the second half, Cole Skuse applying the finishing touch to a well-worked move.

Substitute Tristan Plummer completed the turnaround in fortunes a minute from time, timing his arrival at the far post to perfection to convert from close range.

City: Basso (Gerken 45), Orr (Ribeiro 45), Papazamaris, Carey (J Wilson 45), Fontaine (Artus 45), Sproule (Kington), Johnson (Skuse 45), Eremenko (Jackson 82), Elliott (Plummer 45), Clarkson (Trundle 45), Maynard (Akinde 45).

Attendance: 823.