Stephen Astwood will have to sweat it out for at least another 24 hours before finding out whether he can join the ranks of England's professional soccer stars.

The Bermudian international has been offered a 12-month contract, with an option for a further year, by First Division high-fliers Preston North End.

But before he can join his prospective team-mates there is the thorny issue of a work permit.

The striker had his initial application to the Department of Education and Employment in England rejected because Bermuda do not rank in the top 70 of the world's footballing nations.

Preston officials drove to London yesterday to appeal against the decision, but Astwood's agent Barry McIntosh said they left without an answer.

"I understand the decision has been delayed until Friday,'' said McIntosh, who was not present at the meeting. "They are pondering the points put forward and I expect them to come back with an answer then.'' McIntosh said the lack of an outcome was frustrating for all concerned.

"The club wants the player, the player wants to go to the club, but all that is happening now is bureaucracy and red tape are not facilitating the passage of the player from Bermuda to England.

"Considering the territorial situation (with Bermuda a British dependency) it's a farce really'' he said.

Astwood is back on the Island anxiously waiting an answer from the British authorities.

"It can't be very easy for him,'' said McIntosh. "The player wants to play professional football and has the attributes to do so and factors beyond his control are affecting the outcome.'' Bermuda's assistant national coach, Mark Trott said he hoped the fact a decision hadn't been made on the spot meant there was a chance of a positive outcome.

"The last time I spoke to Stephen just before he came back he was well aware of the situation in that basically it was up to the authorities.

"He was always aware that this could be bit of a problem,'' Trott said.

"It might be a good sign (that the decision had been delayed) in that they are giving it some real serious consideration. We'll just have to wait and see.''