Wanderers are hoping Artim Sakiri's reputation as a respected international will help him secure a work permit.

Reebok officials, who were disappointed to learn that his original application had been rejected, are now planning to lobby support from internationals he has played against on the World Cup trail.

Players from Sweden and Turkey - currently first and second in qualifying Group 4 - could be asked to testify that the experienced Macedonian international has the credentials to play in the Premiership.

Sam Allardyce is refusing to conceded defeat in his bid to sign the 28-year-old midfielder, despite the Home Office refusing to grant him the work permit he needs because he is from outside the EEC.

The Wanderers boss was impressed with Sakiri during recent trials at the Reebok and has agreed a deal with his club, Gorica of Slovenia. His decision to launch an appeal illustrates his determination to get him on board.

The player, who has played with Halmstad in Sweden and the German club TeBe Berlin, has played the required 75 per cent of internationals and has been a regular in his country's World Cup qualifying campaign, including games against the "heavyweights" of Sweden and Turkey.

But his application was rejected because Macedonia are not in the world's top 70 footballing nations.

A determined Allardyce confirmed: "We have been turned down but we will be trying again."