Bermuda international Khano Smith is hoping red tape will not prevent him from making his much-anticipated Lincoln City debut against Torquay United this weekend.

The Imps have completed all the necessary paperwork but Smith, who has penned a short-term deal until January, is still in a race against time to receive international clearance.

Smith said he did not know the reason behind the delay but was confident he would be able to make his home bow against the Gulls.

"All I'm waiting for is the clearance, but at the minute it seems to be mired in red tape," he said. "I know the club have completed all the paperwork and it's only supposed to take three days so I really don't know what the hold up is.

"The worst part of it all is the waiting, but it is in the hands of the US Federation now.

"But I'm confident that it will all be done before the weekend because I would like to be available for Saturday's game against Torquay."

The 28-year-old has been a free agent since being released by Major League Soccer outfit New York Red Bulls in August.

He played two reserve matches for Lincoln last month, prior to the appointment of new coach Chris Sutton, whose team currently lie in 19th position in League Two.

The ex-Dandy Town man began his professional career at New England Revolution in the MLS where he enjoyed four successful seasons.

n Reggie Lambe featured in a strong Ipswich Town reserve team that lost 3-2 to Peterborough United on Wednesday. Lambe came on a second half substitute and forced a good save from the Posh 'keeper.