Town will not be able to play loan striker Ricardo Fuller at Wolves on Saturday after it emerged that the 26-year-old's work permit specifically allows him to play for Southampton and no other club. The Blues will have to apply to Work Permits UK for permission to play the Jamaican striker.

Southampton were informed of the situation by Work Permits UK earlier today and briefed Town and the Football League on the situation.

Chief executive Derek Bowden told the club site: "It is extremely disappointing that we were not made aware of the restrictive nature of Ricardo's work permit.

"Having been advised by the Football League of the situation, we have no alternative but to accept their direction and not play Ricardo at Wolves.

"We will consider our options over the weekend and may well apply for a work permit for the player, although there has been no indication that this would be successful."

The Blues have added Adam Proudlock to the squad for Saturday's game.

Boss Joe Royle is finding the striker situation increasingly exasperating: "I know we've had a jinx on our strikers this season but I didn't realise it would start affecting them before they had even played for us!

"It's a blow losing Ricardo but we have to deal with it and Adam will come into the squad."

Revised squad: Supple, Price, Sito, Barron, Wilnis, Naylor, De Vos, Garvan, Magilton, Juan, Currie, Richards, Westlake, Peters, Skard,Proudlock, McDonald.

Photo: Action Images

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