PIRATES team boss Neil Middleditch has expressed his frustration at Chris Holder's ongoing absence from Wimborne Road.

Holder had been expected to have resumed a team place at his parent club but his return has been delayed by visa issues.

Speaking a fortnight ago, the 2012 world champion said he was hoping to be back "any day" and described his predicament as a "battle".

Holder also admitted he was "sick of all the stuff that’s coming along" and added he was "looking forward to seeing the end of it so I can get on with my life and get back to normal”.

Middleditch was asked whether there had been any update on Holder's situation when he took questions from the floor following a press conference after Pirates' 45-45 draw with Wolves last night.

He said: "They are not giving us any information at all. Chris has been trying and Matt (Ford) has been helping him and trying to get the process speeded up.

"But they really don’t care who you are. You are a name on a list and, when they get to you, they get to you. It’s as frustrating for all us as it is for you (supporters).

"I just can’t answer the question. It’s work in progress, it really is slow.

"I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what the Australian Embassy and Australian Government are thinking but it’s very difficult.

"It’s difficult for Chris. He wants to be here but his hands are tied at the moment."

Holder, eliminated in the semi-finals of the Grand Prix series opener in Warsaw earlier this month, is due to line up in the Czech Republic GP in Prague on Saturday.