GRAVESEND'S Tostao Kwashi has been left high and dry at the centre of an international wrangle following the collapse of his transfer to Irish League club St Patrick's Athletic.

The 22-year-old Zimbabwean international quit the Fleet last week to join St Patricks only to have a change of heart and fly home. But his intention to re-join the Fleet was hit by his signing of an international clearance for the Irish club.

Under FIFA rules all players are granted one international clearance per season. With the Irish transfer window closing on Thursday, Kwashi cannot register with any other club in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland.

The winger alleges he was mislead when he signed the international clearance and is appealing. Until then, he will continue his studies in London. His last appearance for the Fleet was in the FA Cup, fourth round, home defeat by Margate. Since signing a non-contract agreement from Fisher, he had scored four goals in 11 starts.

The loss of Kwashi further reduces manager Andy Ford's selection options for Saturday's home game against Farnborough after 11 players were ruled out for Saturday's defeat at Halifax.

"The whole thing is a mess," said Ford. "Tostao went to Ireland, didn't like it and came back. He says the signing of the international agreement was all a misunderstanding and believes it can be sorted out.

"In the meantime, he can play for nobody. Tt's a blow to him and a blow for us. But we've got to get on with it and try and put a side out against Farnborough."

Midfielder Jimmy Strouts misses the match through the second of a two-match ban while Che Stadhart's fifth caution of the season against Halifax keeps him out of the match at Scarborough on November 23. Akpo Sodje, sent off at Halifax for a second caution, also misses the Scarborough game.

Of the Fleet's walking wounded, Nick Burton, Aaron Barnett and Justin Skinner are the closest to resuming full fitness.