While both are currently on duty with their nation, the club have now received international clearance for both Jack Sergeant and Jamie Coombes – meaning both will be eligible to appear for West after the international break. Having signed at the end of August, both were unable to turn out during September due to red tape relating to their most recent clubs being overseas. However, with this process now complete, Sergeant and Coombes will be available for selection by Steve Settle and the management team.

Jack turned out for Lincoln Red Imps during their Europa League campaign, while Jamie last appeared for Undy Athletic in Wales while studying in Cardiff. International clearance is a standard procedure for signing a player whose last club was outside England, with the FA website explaining it thus:

In accordance with FIFA Regulations, international clearance is required for any player over the age of 10 who is seeking to register for a club in England and has previously been registered for a club abroad (including the other Home Associations), or who is a foreign national seeking to register for the first time in this country

Sergeant became somewhat of a fan favourite during his time with West last season, with his intelligent and combative play in midfield being instrumental in the team turning around their poor form in the winter months. He also picked up manager’s player of the season during our end of season awards. Coombes comes highly rated, having played most of his career as a forward. Jamie can count College 62, Manchester 62, and Lincoln Red Imps among the sides he’s appeared for, as well as being selected for national team age groups.

Both have full caps for their national side – Jack has 14, while Jamie has 8 – and with both featuring in the Gibraltar squad for the forthcoming UEFA Nations League games with Armenia (Away, Saturday 13th) and Liechenstein (Tuesday 16th), they’ll be hoping to add to their total before returning to Brookburn Road. Before that, though, all at the club would like to wish each player the best of luck in their games over the next week.