The Korean recruit was on the pitch pre-game, and a spot had been left open for him on the official team list, but at kick-off the 20-year-old was relegated to the stands.

Vidmar was reluctant to speak about the setback but felt the paperwork had taken too long to complete.

"You need to take that up with our football director, that's his side of the business, not mine. They've known for a month that he needs a clearance and it's just taken far too long," Vidmar said.

"I feel sorry for Shin because he was really keen to go out there tonight so unfortunately he'll have to wait another week."

While Shin wasn't set to start the contest, Vidmar said he would've been a handy substitute as the game progressed.

"Certainly tonight in the second half he probably could've unlocked a key, unfortunately it wasn't the case so I'm not going to rush him and put any added pressure on him," he said.

"He's part of the squad and it won't be long before everyone will be able to see him."

"Shin will just need a little bit of time to get used the conditions and obviously being in a new country so I don't want to push because I think he's got some great attributes."

Shin's predicament is the latest disappointment surrounding Adelaide United's recruits this season. Lloyd Owusu contracted swine flu and pneumonia and is still a few weeks away from playing while Mark Rudan only signed with the club days before their Round 1 clash with the Glory.