LONDON (AFP) - Lee Dong-Gook is set to get his first taste of English football when Middlesbrough entertain Arsenal on February 3 after being granted a UK work permit.

The striker has returned to South Korea to comply with regulations on applications for a residency visa in Britain and is expected to fly back next week and go straight into Boro´s first team squad for the Gunners clash.

Lee, 27, impressed manager Gareth Southgate during a three-week trial at the Riverside and has signed an 18-month contract with the Premiership club.

His former club Pohang Steelers agreed to release Lee on a free transfer, clearing the way for him to become the fourth Korean playing in England´s top flight, along with Park Ji-Sung of Manchester United, Lee Young-Pyo of Tottenham and Seol Ki-Hyeon of FC Reading.