ZIMBABWEAN international Onismor Bhasera took a significant step towards becoming a Pilgrim on Wednesday, when Argyle's application for a work-permit for the defender was successful.

Signing Onismor has been high on head coach Paul Mariner's agenda, and he was understandably delighted with the independent tribunal decision which paves the way for the defender to come to Home Park.

The player had previously spent time on trial at Portsmouth, whose then manager Paul Hart was unable to sign him because of a transfer embargo, and Paul Mariner said: "Baz came very highly recommended to us by Paul Hart."

Argyle will now have to apply for a visa for the 23-year-old left-back, who has been training at Home Park for the last few weeks.

Paul said: "Having watched him work over the past few weeks, seen him interact with the players, and seen his technical ability, it became a very important step for the club to sign this young player."

The Pilgrims will also have to obtain international clearance for the former Kaiser Chiefs player, which will depend on contact with Football Associations in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

However, the granting of the work-permit by a panel sitting at Wembley on Wednesday means that the major hurdle to Onismor becoming an Argyle player has been overcome.

An Argyle delegation, lead by head coach Paul Mariner and Football Secretary Carole Rowntree, presented the club's application.

Paul said: "The panel was sympathetic to our case, which was presented by our coaching staff and Carole Rowntree, and was aided by the backroom staff at the club.

"I want to express my thanks to everyone involved in putting such a strong case together."