PLYMOUTH Argyle have expressed their dismay at being denied the chance to sign Japanese international Akihiro Ienaga.

However, the Pilgrims have not given up all hope of signing a player described as "the new cornerstone" of the Japanese national team.

Argyle had been hoping to land Ienaga, 22, from Gamba Osaka, but were denied a work-permit, and failed to get that decision overturned by an FA appeal panel sitting in Birmingham on Friday.

A statement issued by the Pilgrims on Monday morning highlighted the club’s disappointment at the panel’s judgment.

The statement read: "Plymouth Argyle Football Club is extremely disappointed at the FA appeal panel’s decision not to grant Akihiro Ienaga a work-permit.

"Whilst Ienaga did not qualify under the strict interpretation of the rules, Argyle believed there had been extenuating circumstances for him not playing in the required number of full international matches, namely his inclusion in the Olympic qualifying team during 2007 and a cruciate ligament injury he sustained in 2008.

"Argyle presented a very strong case to demonstrate that Ienaga was a very special talent, as evidenced by the fact he was selected for the J-League All Stars team in 2007.

“The club also presented media articles in which Ienaga and fellow Japanese footballer Mizuno were described as the "new cornerstone" of the Japanese International team.

"Letters of support for Ienaga’s work-permit were provided by well-respected football figures such as Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, who testified to the ability and work-ethic of Japanese players and cited his experience working with Mizuno, who was a member of the same Japanese Olympic team as Ienaga.

"Celtic’s Shunsuke Nakamura and former Arsenal player Junichi Inamoto, currently playing in Germany, also provided letters of support testifying to the ability and huge star potential of Ienaga.

"Despite the weight of evidence, the FA panel elected not to use their discretionary powers to grant Ienaga a "special talent" visa.

"Whilst the decision is particularly disappointing for Argyle, the club is also extremely dismayed

for the player, who really wanted to come to England.

"Ienaga spent 10 days on trial at Plymouth, during which he demonstrated not only that he is a very talented footballer, but also that he is a very likeable young man. He was very professional and respectful throughout his stay and was a credit to his country and his club, Gamba Osaka, who this year won the Asia Champions League.

"Argyle are also very disappointed for football fans who have been denied the opportunity of seeing a very exciting player, described in the Japanese media as the best dribbler in Japan.

"Argyle manager Paul Sturrock stated that Ienaga has excellent technique and would have been a great asset for the club as he could play wide left, wide right or through the middle.

"Argyle will continue to monitor the progress of Ienaga and have not given up hope of being able to sign him at some stage in the future."