The County boss is set to travel down to London tomorrow to find out whether an application for the 28-year-old has been successful.

The Rams have already agreed an 18-month deal with Sterjovski, who plays for Turkish side Genclerbirligi.

Jewell said: "This ridiculous bureaucracy frightens me to death to be honest, so we are just hoping it goes our way.

"We are going to go to Soho Square on Wednesday, I am going to go myself, to appeal his work permit and hopefully we will be successful in that.

"I don't know what the problem is because he has more caps for Australia than Mark Viduka or Harry Kewell.

"It is such a convoluted process. If it goes our way then he will have to come over from Turkey to pick up his work permit before going back to Turkey and then coming back here again. It is ridiculous."

Meanwhile, Jewell has not given up hope of signing former Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll from Rangers.

The Clydesdale Bank Premier League leaders will not allow Carroll to leave until they have signed a replacement.

Asked if he felt the deal was dead, Jewell replied: "No, I don't think so.

"It is one I have been trying to work on but it is taking its time. There might be some more news at the end of this week."