himself in the professional game, according to his prospective new manager.

The striker has been offered a one-year deal by English First Division side, Preston North End -- but the contract hinges on the 18-year-old getting a work permit, a matter that is far from cut and dried.

Astwood has to apply to the Department of Employment in Britain before he is allowed to take to the field in a competitive game for the club.

And while the Department of Immigration in Bermuda are putting pressure on their British counterparts to help out in the case of Astwood and several other Bermudians seeking contracts in England, it is unclear what influence such approaches will have.

Regulations demand that non-European Union players should have featured in 75 percent of their country's matches over the past two years, and that their country are among the top 70 international soccer playing nations. Currently Bermuda rank 149th.

The Island's Chief Immigration Officer, Martin Brewer said yesterday: "The Department of Immigration has looked to see what we can do. We have made some enquiries with our contacts overseas and we have to see whether that will come to fruition.'' Astwood has figured in several pre-season games for North End, most recently against Spanish side Bilbao and caught the eye of boss David Moyes.

Although he suffered a back injury during the trial period, Astwood did enough to secure a 12-month-deal with an option for a further year.

Moyes said: "We have had an opportunity to get a good look at Steve, even though he picked up a knock in the Burscough game. He went to Luton for a few days, but he always said Preston was his preferred club.

"He is only young. But, like several of the newer squad members, he is a player with massive potential and one who I hope will make a mark for Preston North End for several seasons to come.'' Astwood's agent, Barry McIntosh said he hoped the Government would look kindly upon the teenager and allow him to live his dream of becoming a professional soccer player.

Without the paperwork the deal was dead in the water, he said.

"What is the point of being a UK territory if Bermuda's footballers are not allowed to play in England?'' McIntosh said.

"We need some kind of diplomatic approach from the Government of Bermuda to try and give these players a chance.'' McIntosh is hoping that a flexible interpretation of the rules, like that which allowed George Weah to sign for Manchester City despite the fact Liberia are ranked 112th in the world, is applied.

It is highly unlikely the matter will be resolved in time for Preston's opening game of the new season tomorrow against Grimsby Town.

Steve Astwood: hoping to secure an English work permit in order to take up a one-year contract with First Division club Preston North End.