Cameron Jerome further enhanced his reputation as one of the most promising young players outside of the Premiership with a clinical double to destroy Sheffield Wednesday and elevate Cardiff into fifth spot.
The Huddersfield-born striker played in the Owls’ academy side during the 2003-04 season and is in the England Under-21 squad to face France on Friday.
Peter Taylor’s team face a crunch UEFA Championship play-off, first leg clash against the French at White Hart Lane – and Cameron’s brace suggested he could have a vital role to play.
The giant 19-year-old belied his youth with an inspirational display which saw him take his season tally to 11 as Cardiff finally ended their dismal goal drought in style.
Dave Jones’ side had failed to score in four games since their 6-1 demolition of Crewe on October 22, but the impressive Jason Koumas soon ended their wretched run.
The on-loan West Brom midfielder was on hand to meet Rhys Weston’s right-wing delivery and glance home a header to register the Bluebirds’ first goal in 385 minutes.
Cardiff were dominant and, five minutes after Koumas’ early opener, Jerome could have made it 2-0 after racing clear of a static Wednesday defence.
The highly-rated prospect smashed a fierce shot from 18 yards past startled on-loan Manchester City keeper Nicky Weaver but was desperately unlucky to see his effort bounce off the top of the bar.
Wednesday could barely escape their own half but when Owls winger Chris Brunt drove a wicked low ball across the face of goal after 20 minutes, no team-mate was on hand to finish off the move.
David Graham then had a goal disallowed for offside before the Bluebirds extended their lead after 29 minutes.
A clever short-corner routine saw Koumas flight in a delightful cross to the back post where Jerome, who hit the post with a header three minutes earlier, nodded home to hit double figures for the season.
Remarkably, it was 3-0 seven minutes before the break as Jerome strode on to Jeff Whitley’s through ball and clinically dispatched a thunderous shot past Weaver.
Wednesday were understandably shocked as they trudged off at the interval knowing they had little left to play for but pride.
To their credit, however, they refused to give up and after pressing the visitors back inside their own half, the Owls came within inches of getting on the scoresheet.
Chris Eagles fired in a long-range effort which forced Cardiff keeper Neil Alexander to tip the ball against the post.
After 64 minutes, though, the on-loan Manchester United man claimed the goal his industry deserved, drilling in a well-placed shot from just inside the box after collecting Brunt’s pass.
Paul Sturrock’s side continued to battle, but the Bluebirds refused to surrender any further ground before leaving Hillsborough with their play-off aspirations well and truly reignited.
Match Report: Sporting Life
Player Ratings
Neil Alexander 7/10
A spectator for the first 45 minutes – two great saves in the second half.
Rhys Weston 8/10
Definitely one of his best games at this level. It?s not often he gets 8/10!
Darren Purse 8/10
Very comfortable game.
Glenn Loovens 8/10
For someone so talented in the art of the defending, this was a walk in the park.
Chris Barker 7/10
Good performance against the team he supported as a boy.
Jeff Whitley 8/10
Governed the midfield ? closed down everything.
Jason Koumas 9/10
Brilliant first half. He?s too good for this level, but I?m not complaining.
Joe Ledley 7/10
Did what he had to do and coped well.
Kevin Cooper 7/10
Battled for everything.
Cameron Jerome 9/10
Scored a brace but could?ve had five – bullied the Wednesday defence.
Alan Lee 7/10
He did everything but score, as per-usual.
Paul Parry
Replaced Cooper after 60 minutes.
Neil Ardley
Replaced Lee in the 88th minute. The game was already won.
Manager Rating
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Opponent Rating
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Jerome, Loovens and Cooper are set to have late fitnes tests ahead of the match against leaders Sheffield United.
Jerome and Loovens both have back problems, and Cooper is struggling with tendinitis.
With Cardiff hoping to bounce back from the defeat against Leicester in the Carling Cup it is hoped all three players will be available.
‘I’ve got one more year left with Feyenoord, but I like Cardiff very much and I hope my future is here, I prefer the British way to the Dutch way. It’s more my style of playing and I’m really enjoying it. That’s why I made the decision to come here, because it’s more my style. I knew what British football was like because I’ve played against British teams.’