If there was any doubt whether Marius Niculae would play in Saturday's league opener against Rangers, it seems to have been removed. The doubt is now whether he will play for ICT at all after the Home Office rejected his application for a work permit.

The application will now go to appeal and we at CaleyThistleOnline.com feel that it is only right that we do everything within our power to support the club and the player. For this reason we are sending this message to all users registered with the site to make you aware that you have the opportunity to do your bit and have your say.

David Stewart, former MP and current MSP for the area and a well known Caley Thistle supporter long before they reached the SPL has reportedly been approached by the club to look into the matter.

Speaking in the Herald, Mr Stewart said "I have looked at the Home Office conditions which have to be met for the granting of a work permit for a footballer in Marius' circumstances. One is that the player's home country must be within the top 70 of FIFA's rankings. Romania's national team's position meets this requirement.

"Another condition is that the player must have played for his country in at least 75% of its competitive full international matches, during the two years preceding the application. Despite his international record as a player Marius, unfortunately, does not meet this requirement.

"However, these are only guidelines for an initial application and I'm aware there have been many precedents of even internationally unknown, non-EU players with no links to the UK being granted work permits.

"The application by Marius will now go to appeal and the important thing now is to gather support for the legal team to use at the hearing. With this in mind I have today launched an e-petition and would encourage all Inverness Caley Thistle fans to not only sign the petition themselves, but to encourage family and friends to do likewise."

The petition can be accessed at