BOSSES at Preston North End football club have reacted with unprecedented anger at the news that Canadian international Jason Bent has been denied a work permit after an appeal in Manchester.

Chief Executive Tony Scholes and assistant manager Kelham O'Hanlon both attended the appeal panel on Friday last week and had come away from the meeting 'very hopeful of a positive outcome'.

But the Department of Employment confirmed their decision not to allow Bent to play for Preston with a phone call on Wednesday morning (February 7) that has dealt a body blow to the club.

The news comes as a huge disappointment for North End and for manager David Moyes as he seeks to bolster his squad before the transfer deadline.

It is also a huge blow for the player himself who was said to be impressed with the set-up at Deepdale and was keen to join up with fellow Major League Soccer player Brian McBride.

In a strongly worked statement, Tony Scholes blasted the DfEE decision by saying: "This almost beggars belief. I'm fast coming to the conclusion that it is one law for the Premiership clubs and another for league clubs.

"Several players recently have come from abroad, particularly to Premiership clubs, who have played very few internationals, yet work permits have been given." He added: "The appeal panel includes former players and a representative of the PFA.

"In winning an appeal one of the criteria is the quality of the player involved.

"The view from the PFA representative appeared to be that Jason isn't a good player because we weren't paying a big fee or making him our highest paid player.

"This view ignores the current reality of the transfer market. It also overlooks just how good Jason is and apparently ignores the fact that at only 23 years of age he already has more than 20 caps for Canada, is currently a regular first team player for MLS side Colorado Rapids and if he wasn't a Bosman would be worth a considerable transfer fee."

He added: "Given the strong case we had for this appeal, at this moment in time, there would seem to be little point under the current rules to go before another panel to try and get a work permit for a player."

The present rules say that the player's country must be in FIFA's top 70 over a two-year period for the application to be given the green light.

At present, Canada are 63rd, but only moved in to the top 70 recently. Currently Canadian born Paul Peschisolido is enjoying a loan spell with Division One counterparts Sheffield United.