Weston-super-Mare have finally received international clearance for summer signing Eliot Richards.

Weston Mercury: Eliot Richards in action for Weston. Picture by Wayne Whitworth.Eliot Richards in action for Weston. Picture by Wayne Whitworth. (Image: Archant)

Richards - formerly of Bristol Rovers - was signed to Tampa Bay Rowdies in Florida but did not play a single game for the American side.

Despite featuring heavily throughout pre-season he has not been able to play in the Seagulls’ opening two fixtures.

He did, however, score against his former club in a friendly match in July when the Gas visited The Woodspring Stadium.

But the sought after clearance finally came through last night (Thursday) and Richards will be in contention to feature at the club’s second successive away match at Welling United on Saturday.

He may not get a chance to make his first start though as Weston have made a promising start to the season with back-to-back victories.

The Seagulls beat Whitehawk 3-1 on the opening day followed by a 2-1 triumph at Bath City on Tuesday night.