The Easter Road outfit have been unable to play the 20-year-old despite agreeing a season-long loan deal with Italian outfit Genoa, much to the frustration of boss Mixu Paatelainen, who is desperate to see the striker in a green-and-white shirt.

But today Paatelainen revealed the matter has now been put in the hands of FIFA in a bid to put pressure on the Italian authorities to clear the red tape and allow Pinau, who once again seems certain to be sitting in the stand when Hibs face Inverness Caledonian Thistle tomorrow, to begin his SPL career.

Hibs have been innocent bystanders in the affair as the matter must be dealt with by national associations. The SFA have been in daily contact with their Italian counterparts since Hibs asked them to become involved exactly a fortnight ago but to no avail.

Today, Paatelainen admitted he was baffled by the length of the delay. While accepting Pinau's summer move from Monaco to Genoa before he was farmed out on loan to Hibs may be a factor, he said: "Normally you can get it done in a day, although some countries seem to act quicker than others.

"We got the paperwork for Joe Keenan through from Australia in a matter of days, for instance. The SFA have been asking the Italians to get it sorted out on our behalf but, unfortunately, it has not happened.

"We have done everything we can and there's no problem as far as we can see so I don't know why Steve's clearance hasn't come through.

"But now the matter has been put into the hands of FIFA who will hopefully put some pressure on to get it all resolved as quickly as possible."

Paatelainen has been unable to even field Pinau, who played as a trialist in pre-season against Middlesbrough and Wigan, in reserve matches and hoped to have him on the bench tomorrow, but even if clearance doesn't come through he'll head north with the rest of the squad today.

"It's important Steve spends time with the squad, to get to know the guys," said Paatelainen. "He'll get to see another SPL game, different opposition, that sort of stuff. There are plenty of benefits."

Paatelainen has called on his players to end their Inverness jinx. Although this will be the Finn's first match in charge at the Caledonian Stadium, he is well aware Hibs haven't scored a goal never mind win in the Highlands, their best result in five visits being a no-scoring draw under Tony Mowbray.

Admitting it had become something of a "bogey ground" for his side, Paatelainen said: "All runs have to come to an end at some point and obviously we are hoping this one ends tomorrow. It's all psychological and, while we are under no illusions that it will be difficult, I believe that if we get our passing game together and get into positions to hurt them then we will win.

"But we must also be on our guard at the back because we know Caley will employ two banks of four, defend solidly and try to hit us on the break."

Goalkeeper Andy McNeil has been passed fit after shaking off a thigh knock.