Steven Pienaar is worried that his prospects of earning a permanent contract at Everton will be hampered by his commitment to the African Cup of Nations.
With the 25-year-old already signalling his intention to remain at Everton beyond the expiry of his temporary deal, the midfielder is keen to strike while the iron is hot.
However the African Cup of Nations, a month-long tournament hosted early in the New Year by Ghana, may deprive him of that opportunity.
"Yes, it's a problem," Pienaar said, of the timing of the Cup of Nations.
"Things are going so well here and you think 'why's it coming up now?'
"Going away for a few weeks makes it a difficult situation. I can't do anything about it though.
"We're going to write a letter to see if I can meet up later, but it's up to the coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. I hope he says yes."
