The Australia international, who agreed a new contract with the club during the summer, has been unable to work with his team-mates while awaiting Home Office approval.

But today the 31-year-old was cleared to play at a hearing in Sheffield and manager Chris Hutchings said on the club's website, wiganlatics.co.uk: "This is great news for us, it feels like another new signing.

"I thought Skoks (Skoko) was excellent for us last season and got better with every game. I have no doubt with another year of Premier League experience under his belt he will be even better.

"Josip is an intelligent footballer with a real maturity and presence on the field. I'm glad the work permit issue is now sorted and he will be able to join in with the rest of the lads during pre-season."

Wigan earlier dealt Sunderland a blow by announcing full-back Leighton Baines will not be moving to Wearside.

The 22-year-old defender has been included in the Latics squad for tonight's pre-season friendly at Blackpool after recovering from a virus.

Roy Keane was given permission to talk to the player earlier this week after having had three previous bids rejected.

However, as speculation mounted today that Everton - Baines was born in Liverpool - had tabled a counter-bid, Wigan's official website, wiganlatics.co.uk, claimed he would not be heading for the Stadium of Light, and sources on Wearside have confirmed that is the case.

Meanwhile summer signing Mario Melchiot has been named the Latics' new captain.

The 30-year-old former Chelsea full-back joined from French club Rennes last month and has already skippered the side in their opening two pre-season friendlies.

Hutchings said: "I'm blessed with many leaders in my squad but I have decided Mario is going to be my skipper this season.

"He has all the qualities I look for in a captain and I like the fact he plays at the back. I think that gives him a good perspective on what's happening in a game."

Melchiot replaces Arjan de Zeeuw, who left the club for Coventry at the end of last season.