THE procedure for players to gain international clearance should be “quicker and smoother”, according to frustrated Worcester City boss Carl Heeley.

City's manager has been left to play the waiting game on three of his new signings.

Defender Sam Oji, striker Steven Craig and winger Nathan Olukanmi all require international clearance because they last played in Ireland, Scotland and USA respectively.

The trio, who arrived at the Victoria Ground on the eve of the new National League North season, missed City’s 2-2 draw against Harrogate last Saturday and Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Tamworth.

Heeley is hopeful Oji, Craig and Olukanmi will all be available for Worcester’s trip to FC Halifax Town on Saturday (3pm).

But he admitted their request might not receive approval from the Football Association until the end of the month.

“It hasn’t (come through yet) but hopefully we will get it through prior to Saturday, which would strengthen us,” Heeley said.

“There are no guarantees, though, as it can take up to 30 days.”

Ex-Aston Villa youngster Olukanmi is awaiting international clearance having played football at Siena College in America.

Meanwhile, 30-year-old Oji, who has had spells at Doncaster Rovers and Leyton Orient, made 23 appearances for Irish club Galway United last season and former Wycombe Wanderers and Aberdeen frontman Craig, 35, has spent most of his career in Scotland.

“It is a process which should be quicker and smoother than it is as it can take up to 30 days to get a player cleared after playing within the United Kingdom,” Heeley said.

“You can make your own views on whether that is good enough or not.

“For me, it should be no more than a two-day process and it has already been double, nearly treble that, so hopefully it will come through.

“But it is something that is frustrating.

“We have done everything we can and it is now just a case of waiting.”

Heeley added: “Certainly in two of the cases, they are very experienced and the other one has got lightning pace.

“They have all got different attributes that will add to the squad, so it will be good when we have got them available to select.”