Devonshire Cougars could find themselves having to play without the services of inspirational midfielder Domico Coddington this season, can reveal.

That?s because Bermuda Football Association?s 2005 Most Valuable Player is awaiting a UK passport which would clear the way for him to play professional football in Italy at Serie C club AS Acireale.

Last month the 21 year-old midfield maestro underwent a ten-day run out fresh off a second successive playing stint with Oakville Blue Devils in the Canadian Professional League earlier this month.

Coddington, who won a Premier Division championship and Friendship Trophy crown with Cougars last season, scored late against North Village last Friday night at BAA Field to clinch Martonmere Cup Group A honours for his team in his first match since returning from football trials in Europe.

The former North Village player nor Cougars coach Andrew Bascome could be reached for comment, but the latter?s assistant coach Gary (Tuba) Mallory stated: ?Domico is going to be a big miss and it?s going to be hard to replacing him. It will be difficult but we will find a way.

?But we wish nothing but the best for Domico because this a great opportunity for him and what playing football is really all about.?

Coddington?s elevation to the pro ranks reminded Mallory of the time when then Boulevard coach David Bascome landed a pro contract in the US in the late 1990s.

?David has never once looked back and I have always wished every local player that has gone overseas for trials all the best and Domico is no exception,? Mallory added. ?Domico is a well rounded player and a good human being. And I think he has the potential to do good out there.

?We?ve heard good reports coming from Italy and it?s now all up to him.?

There were reports, however, Coddington struggled with the language barrier while on trial earlier this month in Europe and later pondered backing away from a pro career in Italy.

?It is difficult at first having to cope with being away from family and friends,? Mallory noted. ?But I think he has now come to terms with this and he should be okay.?

Mallory speculated the player could break ranks at the Den by early next year, or possibly even earlier.

?This is a great opportunity for Domico,? the former Cougars, North Village and Boulevard forward reiterated. ?But we are looking forward to making the most of Domico before he goes abroad and when he does go we do have one or two players more than capable of filling the void.?

In what has so far been a highly successful domestic career Coddington previously won multiple championships, including back-to-back Premier Division league and FA Cup doubles at Rams before adding a third league title and Friendship Trophy medal with Cougars last season to add to an ever-growing remarkable list of achievements.

?Domico will be a big miss . . . but we will just have to unveil another gem,? Mallory added with a smile.