Juninho granted work permit

Middlesbrough were celebrating this afternoon after World Cup winner Juninho was granted a work permit on appeal.

A delegation from the club, led by manager Steve McClaren and chief executive Keith Lamb, attended the hearing in Sheffield today after the Brazilian's initial application was rejected on the grounds that he had not played in enough of his country's competitive internationals over the last two years.

But the tribunal accepted Boro's argument that his proven quality was sufficient grounds for appeal and found in the club's favour.

"Obviously, we are delighted by the decision and would like to extend our thanks to the Department of Employment for arranging such a swift appeal hearing and to the members of the appeal committee for their sympathetic hearing," said Lamb.

"It is now our intention to arrange for Juninho to travel to England at the earliest opportunity."

The news comes a week after Boro announced that they had clinched a deal to bring the 29-year-old, who will cost in excess of £5million from Atletico Madrid, back to England for his third spell on Teesside.

He is one of four men so far to be added to McClaren's squad this summer following Franck Queudrue, Massimo Maccarone and loan signing Geremi.