Carl Wilson-Denis has been freed at last to play for Albion again.

The Seagulls have finally secured international clearance for their new young striker after his spell in the Republic of Ireland with Mullingar Town last season.

Wilson-Denis received the good news yesterday morning from secretary Derek Allan.

The clearance came just too late for the former Kingstonian front man to feature in Tuesday's reserve friendly at Lewes.

"I can be involved in games again now, so I am looking forward to starting afresh," said Wilson-Denis.

"I've been a bit upset about missing matches. It has been very frustrating for me. I wanted to be involved in the friendlies to try and earn a place at Oldham on Saturday."

An administrative oversight while Allan was on holiday meant Wilson-Denis played in Albion's first two friendlies against Arundel and Crawley, when he was still on trial.

Chris McPhee has been partnering Leon Knight in the absence of the 21-year-old rookie, who has been awarded a three-month contract by boss Steve Coppell.

Wilson-Denis conceded: "Because I haven't been playing it has probably affected my chances for Saturday.

"The two boys up front are doing well at the moment. I've got to keep trying hard and hopefully I will get my chance."

Coppell will be without long-term knee injury casualty Dean Blackwell and colitis victim John Piercy for the opener at Boundary Park.

Albion are also trying to contain a bug which struck down McPhee and Kerry Mayo in the past week.

Tickets are still available for the Seagulls' first home match of the season against Queens Park Rangers on Monday August 18 (8pm).

Postal applications are now invited for the visit of Swindon on Saturday September 6 (3pm).