Everton loanee hit by red tape on int'l duty, needs FIFA clearance – report

Everton loanee Mason Holgate will be made to wait for his international debut as he is yet to receive a Jamaican passport, according to Voice Online.

The outlet reported on 10 October that Holgate, who is currently on loan from Goodison Park at West Brom, cannot make his bow for the Reggae Boyz until he is given clearance by FIFA.

This cannot come until Holgate obtains a Jamaican passport, which is a requirement under FIFA rules, meaning the 27-year-old is expected to miss Jamaica’s first match against Nicaragua on 10 October.

Jamaica are said to have pursued Holgate for four years, and with their federation pushing hard for the passport issue to be resolved, the defender’s debut could come against Honduras on 14 October.

Can Mason Holgate revive his Everton career on international duty?

Jamaica finally getting Holgate to accept an international call-up after four years of trying is certainly a win for the Reggae Boyz, but could also be the same for a player whose career appears to be in stasis.

Holgate’s five-minute cameo on the opening day of the Premier League season was his first Blues appearance since May 2023, and it’s clear that he is a long way from being in Sean Dyche’s plans.

The defender’s credentials weren’t helped by two disastrous loan spells in the last 12 months, struggling for minutes at both Southampton and Sheffield United and being on the end of some heavy defeats.

However, shining on the international stage – once Holgate is given clearance to play – can open new doors for the 24-year-old, and could potentially earn a new contract in a defensive utility role.

Yet to be given a minute at West Brom so far this season, playing regular Premier League football looks a long way off, but Holgate can finally show his potential in the all-new environment of international duty.

In other Everton news, Jamie O’Hara has slammed a “shocking” Goodison Park incident live on talkSPORT.

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