Livingston boss David Martindale admits he's 'gutted' that South African youngster Aphelele Teto failed to get a work permit - because he's improved so much during his limited time in West Lothian that defenders can't get the ball off him in training.
The 20-year-old signed from TS Galaxy in his homeland on a four-year deal but the Lions were unable to secure a Governing Body Endorsement, which would then have allowed them to apply for a work permit.
The result of that is set to be a loan spell back in Africa with the club trying their luck once again in January. Speaking to the West Lothian Courier, Martindale said the youngster has already come on leaps and bounds and is ready for first-team action - although that will have to wait a few months at least.
He said: "His fitness has kicked on incredibly. He's now at a level where he's in and around the group whereas when he first came in, he was a fair bit behind but he's kicked on massively.