Pilgrims miss out on Ienaga

Plymouth have been thwarted in their attempts to sign Akihiro Ienaga after failing to get a work permit.

Japanese trialist denied work permit

Plymouth Argyle have been thwarted in their attempts to sign Akihiro Ienaga after his work permit appeal was rejected. The Japan international, who made his debut against China in 2007, impressed manager Paul Sturrock after linking up with the Championship side on trial last month. With a work permit one of the biggest obstacles blocking a potential move, the club applied for one to see if the 22-year-old would be granted the right to work in England. Despite The Pilgrims' attempts to sway the panel, which included a show-reel DVD of the player's talents, their recommendation was to reject the plea. Plymouth had held preliminary transfer talks with Ienaga's club Gamba Osaka, but after being denied a work permit Argyle are likely to end their interest in the midfielder for now.