English Football Association.

Lightbourne is anxiously awaiting approval to join Third Division club Scarborough following a successful trial in July. But the fact that more than 300 players were handed `free' transfers by the 90 English clubs at the end of last season means that Lightbourne may not find his passage into English as easy as fellow Bermuda internationals Shawn Goater, Meshach Wade and Kentoine Jennings.

"As far as getting a work permit they (FA) have the final say apparently,'' said Mark Trott, who set up the trials for Lightbourne and the others.

The fact that Lightbourne is an international will obviously help his case, as will the involvement by both the Deputy Governor's office and Sir John Sharpe, Minister of Delegated and Legislative Affairs. Sharpe also assisted when Goater's permit was approved to join Manchester United in 1989.

Scarborough secretary Ken Sheppard requested clippings from The Royal Gazette a month ago from international matches Lightbourne played in, so as to assist their application. The club filled out the work permit application forms on July 28.

They had to give a reason for recruiting a player outside Great Britain and why Lightbourne was preferred over three other players who were seeking to sign for Scarborough after being released by their clubs -- Stoke City, Crewe and Chesterfield.

"They felt Kyle achieved the standard they were looking for and that he is a recognised and experienced centre-forward for Bermuda,'' said Trott. "Because the English FA have the final say they are pretty thorough. If everything goes according to plan he could be out of here next week. He's just waiting for someone to say the permit has been okayed.'' Bermuda captain Meshach Wade played on Sunday in his team's 1-1 draw with Northampton Town but was not amongst the four Hereford players that were sent off. Kentoine Jennings has recovered from injury and could be considered for selection this weekend.

Meanwhile, Shawn Goater netted Rotherham's second goal with a header early in the second half of Saturday's match with Wigan, which they lost 3-2 at home.

KYLE LIGHTBOURNE.