New signing Vemund Brekke Skard has moved closer to being available for the Blues with the Norwegian FA releasing him to play in England. The Norges Fotballforbund have written to Skard's former club Brumunddal to inform them that the midfielder can play in England as of yesterday, November 10th.

Skard had been deemed a professional player and therefore unable to move clubs outside transfer windows despite not receiving a wage from Brumunddal. Travel expenses were apparently the reason he was not considered an amateur.

However, the 24-year-old's contract with Brumunddal ended on October 31st and the Norwegian FA now say that as far as they are concerned he can make his Town against Coventry at the Ricoh Arena next Saturday.

The matter now rests with the English FA who will also have to decide whether Skard can play for the Blues before January.

The trainee teacher has agreed to sign an 18-month contract with Town, having impressed on a recent trial at Portman Road.

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