NEW Zealander Michael Smith could have double cause for celebration next week after finally being given the green light to join up with his new York Wasps team-mates.

The Wasps yesterday received Smith's work permit after a lengthy wait which had put the move in jeopardy.

He is expected to fly to England in the next couple of days and could make his debut in next Wednesday's home encounter with Swinton Lions - the same day he celebrates his 24th birthday.

His arrival will be a relief as the deal was on the verge of falling through because of a hold-up in his work permit.

Chief executive Ann Garvey said: "One of the reasons for the delay was the holidays. With there being so many Bank holidays they haven't been working at the employment department.

"When I rang them on Wednesday they said it had been passed but I actually received it yesterday.

"I spoke to Michael's agent yesterday and he said he could be on his way today or tomorrow.

"I am waiting for his agent to get back to me to tell me exactly when he's getting on the plane because I'll have to meet him at the airport with the permit or he won't get in the country.

"He should definitely be here for next Sunday or maybe even Wednesday."

back row forward Smith will be desperate to impress in York's last 10 matches after his ill-fated spell at Hull FC last season.

The Former Canterbury Bankstown and Castleford Tigers ace flopped during his year at the Boulevard but is keen to re-establish himself in Super League.

Garvey said Smith may not be the last new arrival as caretaker coach Garry Atkins looks towards building a team for next season.

She said he was hoping to bring in some additional players on loan, and was also looking to sign players for the remainder of this season and next season.

"Hopefully we'll win a few games and go further up the table but it's a foregone conclusion we're not going to win anything this season so as a board and as a club it's important we start looking to build a team for next year," said Garvey.

The board this week decided to leave Atkins in charge for the rest of the season. They had intended to announce a permanent successor to Dean Robinson at the end of May but have put that on hold until the close season to give them more time to reach a decision.

Meanwhile Garvey confirmed they had put in a request to the Rugby League to study a video of the incident which resulted in Leroy McKenzie's breaking his jaw at Oldham on Sunday.

The winger sustained the injury in a tackle on Oldham centre Anthony Gibbons and there was a suggestion that an elbow was used by Gibbons.

Having spoken to the Rugby League yesterday, Garvey was told it had been referred to the executive board for further investigation.

Prop Lea Tichener was due to appear before the RFL disciplinary committee yesterday but his hearing has been deferred for a week because of his shoulder injury.

There are still a few places on the Academy bus for supporters wishing to travel to Whitehaven on Sunday.

It leaves Huntington Stadium at 8am, coast £10, and anyone wishing to go on the bus must contact Ann Garvey at the club on 01904 634636 or at home on 01759 380298.