Transfer news: West Brom boss Alan Irvine expects Cristian Gamboa to win work permit
Monday 4 August 2014 14:58, UK
West Brom head coach Alan Irvine expects to win a work permit appeal for defender Cristian Gamboa.
The 24-year-old Costa Rica international has already agreed personal terms and passed a medical, but his move from Rosenborg hit a stumbling block after he failed to receive the required paperwork.
Gamboa played in all five of Costa Rica's matches at the World Cup as they reached the quarter-finals, but falls just short of appearing in 75 per cent of his country's games over the last two years.
A Football Association panel will hear his case this week and Irvine is confident a work permit will be granted once they hear Albion’s argument.
"We're not in control, it's out of our hands, but I think it would be amazing if we didn't get this one over the line," the Albion boss told the club's official website.
"Cristian has played just over 70 per cent of the games for his country, but they've factored into those figures a non-FIFA ranked tournament which his club (Rosenborg) stopped him going to.
"They kept Cristian back to play in some league games."
The Baggies are also set to finally complete a deal for Australia left-back Jason Davidson.
A contract dispute with Dutch club Heracles Almelo has held up 23-year-old Davidson’s arrival in England, but the two clubs are nearing a resolution and a medical is scheduled for later this week.
