STEVE Rhodes has backed overseas paceman Doug Bollinger to be a hit with the Worcestershire fans as soon as he returns to full fitness.

Having been ruled out with a side strain for almost a month, the New South Welsh-man made his return to action in the innings and 109-run hammering by Sussex.

The left-armer put in a lacklustre display, clearly still not completely match-fit, but director of cricket Rhodes is adamant the New Road faithful haven't seen Bollinger at his sparkling best.

Rhodes said: "Doug Bollinger had quite a lot of criticism from the crowd during the Sussex game but, to be honest, he was only about 85 per cent fit. Even though he struggled a bit against Sussex, he will come on from that performance and if he bowls like he can bowl, like he did in the one-dayer at Lancashire, he'll take wickets for us.

"The people who watched us at Lancashire saw a bowler who can bowl at 90mph but at the moment he is coming through and still getting himself back to fitness."

Worcestershire's next match is a Friends Provident Trophy clash away to Durham on Friday (10.45am).