Webster given Green Light

Websters move from Hearts to the Premiership club has been the first of its kind and a ground-breaking one for Wigan in particular, but also a long drawn out deal due to complications.

The Scottish international freed himself early from his Hearts contract, using

Andy Webster

a loophole in a European unemployment law adopted by FIFA. With three years gone of his four year contract, he invoked article 17 of FIFAs rules which allowed him to free himself oh his contract and move to a club outside of Scotland.

Despite registering as a Wigan Athletic player a month ago, the defender was not allowed to play for his new club until a compensation fee was agreed and until FIFA ratified the deal.

Althoguh the fee is yet to be announced, FIFA have given the green light for Webster to make his debut at Portsmouth on Saturday, something that has delighted Paul Jewell.

"I am relieved this issue is now almost resolved. It has taken many long hours of negotiation for Andrew to become a player at this club, but I'm convinced all the hard work will be worth it once the supporters see him play."

"He is a confident and committed defender who adds a huge amount of competition to the centre-back spots, which is extremely healthy for the club."

It is unlikely Webster will make his debut this Saturday at Portsmouth. Arjan De Zeeuw and Fitz Hall have solidified themselves as the first choice centre backs, and it is unlikely Jewell will play Webster until the Scottish defender gets his match fitness up to scratch.