BLACKBURN boss Graeme Souness looks set to include new-boy Eyal Berkovic in his squad at Nottingham Forest on Saturday after the Israeli international was granted a work permit yesterday.

Rovers have received verbal notification from the Department of Employment that the 28-year-old midfield star has had his application for a permit processed.

And, subject to a few loose ends being tied up with Celtic today, the former West Ham midfielder should be free for selection if Souness wants him at the weekend.

"We got to hear about four o'clock yesterday that the permit has been agreed verbally," said chief executive John Williams.

"So we'll be trying to conclude all the paperwork with Eyal and Celtic today, hopefully, in time for him to be available for the weekend."

Rovers must have him registered by midday tomorrow if he wants to be considered for the trip to the City Ground.

And Rovers boss Souness has indicated he could be pencilled in for a place on the bench.

"He's trained with us for the last couple of days and he doesn't look out of place in terms of fitness," said Souness.

"But I have to be fair to the lads who played last night so he won't start."