The boss admits he is 'nowhere near' making a decision on keeping the 22-year-old out-of-work centre-half, as he has not been allowed to watch him in a match.

Collin only arrived at North End last Thursday – transfer deadline day – after being released in a player cull at crisis club Gretna.

But, even though the players' union in Scotland is trying to get special dispensation for the nine first-teamers thrown on the dole to get new clubs before the end of the season, the youngster remains in limbo.

"It's a crying shame for all these lads who have found themselves out of work through no fault of their own," Irvine told the Evening Post.

"They don't have a job and they are being prevented from getting one by rules and regulations.

"If this was any other industry and they were made redundant they wouldn't be blocked from finding another job."

Collin has spent the last week training with the North End squad and, according to Irvine, doing well.

But his trial spell is likely to end in frustration on Friday with Irvine, who is short of centre-half cover, unable to take it any further at present.

He said: "My problem is I have not seen Aurelien play a game.

"And you can't judge players just on the training pitch.

"I received a phone call from his agent, who I know, and was given an opportunity to have a look at him.

"But even though he has done perfectly well in training, it has been quite difficult because the lad can't play in a game between now and the end of the season.

"It's not as if he is a player I know personally. I don't know him well enough to make a decision.

"We have been providing him with the opportunity to do some training while he waits to see if anything happens with his situation.

"But if his agent suddenly gets a club which is prepared to make a commitment and offer him, say, a pre-contract agreement for next season, there is no way I can stand in his way."

Irvine is down to just three centre-halves following the
serious injury suffered by Liam Chilvers at Charlton last month.

For the full story, read Thursday's Lancashire Evening Post.