Suppiah has taken 14 first-class wickets for Somerset

Somerset all-rounder Arul Suppiah's application for permanent residency in the United Kingdom has been rejected.

The 25-year-old must now return to his native Malaysia and apply for a work permit before being allowed to play for the county in the 2009 season.

He told the club's website: "This is very frustrating for me because I've been in Somerset for 12 years.

"I will now use my time in Malaysia as a chance to get outside and continue my pre-season training on grass."

Suppiah moved to Millfield School in Somerset at the age of 13 and represented England at four different junior levels.

He made his debut for the Cidermen in 2002 and has since made over 1300 runs in 28 first-class matches.

Chief executive Richard Gould said: "We think Arul will be granted a work permit for the coming season, but at present we are uncertain beyond that.

"However we have got every resource and contact working to sort this out for us."

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