Watford star Al Bangura will face an Asylum and Immigration Tribunal on Monday to determine whether he will be allowed to remain in the country.

The 19-year-old midfielder came to the United Kingdom from Africa seeking asylum almost four years ago and was granted limited discretionary leave to remain, but the Secretary of State has rejected a further application to regularise his status.

Chris Pelentrides, the legal representative working on behalf of Bangura and Watford, told the club's official website: "An appeal to the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal, against the Secretary of State's decision, was successful earlier in the year. Despite this, the Secretary of State is continuing to challenge the case.

"Our client's compassionate circumstances clearly warrant his continued stay in the United Kingdom.

"He has built up his life, having established great ties in the United Kingdom, including a family life with his partner and a profession.

"He provides great support to his community, not forgetting a positive contribution to the UK's sporting industry. To expect him to leave all this behind and return to Africa is clearly unjustified and disproportionate.

"I feel that the Secretary of State needs to review the case in light of the compelling circumstances."