Livingston boss David Martindale says he's hopeful new signing Aphelele Teto will be able to play for the club in January but confessed it's 'frustrating' they saw the South African's bid for a work permit turned down.
The Lions announced the signing on Tuesday, but that the 20-year-old's Governing Body Endorsement - which then paves the way for a work permit to be granted - was rejected.
Teto penned a four-year deal from TS Galaxy in his homeland but is now set for a return to Africa on loan while the Lions review the situation and re-apply in the winter transfer window.
Martindale said: "I’ve got to trust the process and go with the decision of the people on the panel. It’s frustrating from my point of view because I’m the manager recruiting the player and I think he can come in and do a job for Livingston .