Dundee United boss Mixu Paatelainen has branded the ongoing wait for a work permit for Japanese goalie Eiji Kawashima a “joke”.
The 32-year-old keeper who has played 72 times for his country, is a free agent after leaving Standard Liege in the summer.
Paatelainen has been trying to sign him since the start of this month but he has been frustrated that the Home Office have still not processed United’s request for a permit.
With Kawashima not even allowed to train with the Tangerines squad, Paatelainen is fearful that the deal could fall through because of the red-tape delay.
The manager said: “I am frustrated about Eiji but there’s nothing more we can do. It’s a joke.
“It could jeopardise the deal if it goes on too long.
“You can only sit and wait for so long Eiji is very frustrated.
“We have asked the questions and I have been asking why on earth this is going on so long.
“We have a quality, skilled and experienced professional footballer training by himself because he’s not allowed to train with us.
“He is running round parks on his own and is in the gym. It is very frustrating for him because he wants to play for us and also to get back into the Japan team.”
Paatelainen added: “He is here in Dundee but can’t come and work with us because it would seem like he’s looking for employment.
“Which in itself is ridiculous because we have already decided to employ him, he’s not seeking to be employed.
“So the minute we get the papers through, he will sign the contract.
“It is bizarre and I don’t find it logical.
“It is going on and on and on and on. I am surprised it has taken so many weeks.
“Nobody talks, nobody says anything I find that amusing in this day and age.
“It is with the Government and it’s just a case of waiting to see what happens.
“The papers are with the Home Office, they’re probably lying in a pile on a desk somewhere.
“There’s nothing more we can do, we just have to wait and hope it comes through soon.”
One player who has been able to sign for United this week is former West Ham, Borussia Dortmund and Ivory Coast international Guy Demel.
The versatile 34-year-old has been without a club since he left the Hammers in the summer but Paatelainen insists he would have no qualms about picking him to face Hamilton at the weekend.
The manager continued: “Guy will add experience and that helps.
“Age means nothing at the end of the day, it’s about the character you bring in.
“You might have a quiet player who has played at the top level, so unless he speaks and helps the more inexperienced players get better then there’s no point.
“Guy is a player who will talk and lead by example, so I am looking forward to working with him.
“I didn’t know him before but I got that feeling from him.
“He was just back in France training on his own, doing nothing and waiting for a club.
“Guy is very versatile, I can see him playing in a few positions for us.
“His age was the reason he didn’t have a club because in France being 34 is classified as old for a football player.
“They want players who have a sell-on value and at his age you don’t have that.
“He is fit so I think he could play if we need him.
“He is not 100% fit because he hasn’t been playing matches but he’s ready.”