EWOOD Park officials are racing against time to achieve clearance for Hakan Unsal to play against Bolton on Saturday.

The immediate good news is the experienced Turkish defender is now a Rovers player with a work permit, the only question mark now is over international clearance.

Chief executive John Williams told the official Rovers web site: "The work permit has been granted and negotiations have been completed with both Galatasaray and the player himself.

"We now have to register Hakan with our own Football Association who will then seek international clearance from their Turkish counterparts. Only when that is done will he be eligible to play."

Time is tight, however, as clearance has to be arranged by mid-day on Friday, if he is to be in the frame to face Bolton Wanderers.

Failing that, club officials are confident he will be available for selection against Aston Villa at Ewood Park next Tuesday, March 5.