SWINDON Town have had to endure a series of blows caused by international associations this week and that looks set to continue.

Jordan Stewart was at the County Ground on Saturday, as Town were defeated by Sheffield United, and took part in his own training programme on the pitch ahead of kick-off.

He would have been allowed to play had to the Irish FA sent over his international clearance this week.

Asked in his post-match duties to clarify Stewart’s situation Town boss Mark Cooper confirmed it was merely waiting for a response from the Northern Irish association.

In a rather sarcastic tone, Cooper explained why he was denied the services of his new signing.

“It is just an email,” said the Town boss when asked what the hold-up with the international clearance was.

“The Northern Irish FA, who have got loads of players playing all over the world, are so busy that they need to, just if they can, give us a little bit of time and send us the clearance through.”

Stewart will have to wait until Town’s visit to Oakwell, on September 12, for his chance to make his debut.

The 20-year-old is in the Northern Ireland Under 21 squad for their matches with Scotland and Iceland and will miss the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy clash at Newport County on Tuesday and the trip to Crewe the following weekend.

However, he is not the only Town player on national duty.

Yaser Kasim (Iraq) and Jordan Williams (Wales) will also be absent, further depleting Cooper's already-stretched resources.

Normally having three players away with their countries would mean Town were able to postpone the Crewe fixture, but as Williams is on a youth loan at Town he does not count towards the total.