Bolanos work permit rejected

Charlton have had their work permit application for Costa Rica winger Christian Bolanos rejected by the Home Office.

The Addicks agreed a one-year loan deal with South American club Deportivo Saprissa for the 22-year-old earlier this month, subject to international clearance.

Despite Bolanos having represented his country 18 times, twice in the World Cup finals, as a substitute against hosts Germany and then starting versus Poland, the player did not meet the required quota of 'A' appearances set down by the Government for non-European nationals.

Manager Iain Dowie had been excited by the prospect of adding the attack-minded wideman - who had a trail at Liverpool after impressing against the Reds in the 2005 Club World Championship - to his squad after linking up with Charlton during pre-season.

He said: "We felt we had a very strong case.

"Christian is an emerging talent and has become a fixture in the Costa Rica side despite his age, so it is very disappointing, not just for us but for the lad as well."