Dundee United have been given the go-ahead by the SFA to seal the deal for Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima.

It is understood the Tangerines fought hard to persuade the governing body’s panel at Hampden to rubber-stamp the player’s work permit despite Kawashima boasting a distinguished international career, including two World Cups.

As expected, the good news will come too late to enable Kawashima, who has returned home to Japan, to make his debut for United against Partick Thistle on Saturday.

Routine paperwork has to be completed so that will mean fans should get the first glimpse of him in action at Inverness the following weekend.