Stoke City winger Jermaine Pennant was blocked by authorities from entering the US this week.

The Sun says the Potters arrived in Columbus, Ohio without Pennant.

The winger was refused a working visa there because of a previous criminal conviction.

Pennant took out his frustration at missing City's opening tour game against Columbus Crew by scoring a stunning free-kick against Corby Town in a low-key friendly.

He now faces an anxious wait to see if the US authorities will process his application in time to join his team-mates in Orlando or Kansas.