Rabiu Ibrahim has been granted a SFA endorsement towards a work permit to complete a move to Kilmarnock.

The Nigerian play- maker failed to make the breakthrough with Celtic and moved to Killie earlier this month.

However, he was required to make a fresh application for a work permit since changing his employer.

Having failed to play in 75% of Nigeria's competitive games over the past two years, Ibrahaim again had to gain the backing of the SFA to gain a UK working visa.

He won an appeal to join Celtic a year ago, with the club successfully arguing he was an exceptional talent.

Despite having made just two appearances for the Glasgow club since, a panel comprised of representatives from the Scottish FA, SPL, PFA Scotland and three independent football experts said the 21-year-old should be given an endorsement.

If his visa is processed in time, he should make his Kilmarnock debut at home against Dundee United tomorrow.

And Killie boss Kenny Shiels believes his team will not gain an advantage from Peter Houston's decision to leave United at the end of the season

Shiels said: "Peter has done magnificent there, but it won't affect the players because they have quality right through the team.

"So I can't see it having an adverse impact on the side, they are too professional."