EVERTON remain confident Steven Naismith will be eligible to play at the start of the season despite Rangers’ latest attempts to seek compensation.

Naismith’s move took another twist yesterday when it emerged the player is among several former Ibrox men to have not been granted international clearance.

The 25-year-old moved to Goodison as a free agent last week having refused to have his contract transferred over to a newco Rangers.

The Glasgow side, who have been kicked out of the Scottish Premier League, are in the process of being liquidated and will be replaced by a new company set up by Charles Green.

Green has already written to English clubs warning that players who walk out on Rangers are in breach of contract.

And with Rangers wanting compensation, the Scottish FA will not provide authorisation for Naismith’s move to Everton with the Ibrox outfit retaining the player’s registration.

FIFA are expected to grant temporary registrations while the world governing body rules on the matter.

Everton, though, are convinced the matter will be sorted with Naismith continuing pre-season training with his new colleagues in Austria yesterday.

Meanwhile, Magaye Gueye believes his decision to switch allegiance from France to Senegal can help him enjoy a lengthy international career.