New Saints signing Steven Davis has been refused international clearance to join the club.

Davis was one of a number of players at Glasgow Rangers who refused to have their contracts transferred to a newco Rangers, and therefore felt able to leave on a free with their deals effectively terminated.

The Northern Ireland captain agreed a three year deal to move to St Mary’s, but the SFA have refused to grant the required international clearance for the switch to be ratified.

The SFA have to contact the selling club to get their agreement for the transfer and Rangers have objected to the move of Davis, and several of his former colleagues who have also agreed deals to join other clubs after leaving the beleaguered Ibrox outfit.

Saints are able to appeal to FIFA for a temporary licence so Davis can remain with the club while the world governing body make a ruling on the situation.

When contacted by the Daily Echo, Rangers confirmed: “The SFA have already confirmed that they will not release an International Transfer Certificate to any National Association that requests it and have referred the matter to FIFA.”