Malta's Prime Minister has intervened in the controversy over striker Ched Evans after one of the country's football club's offered the convicted rapist a contract.
Joseph Muscat has urged caution over Hibernians FC signing the former Sheffield United player and Welsh international, who has been shunned by a number of English clubs.
The Maltese PM said footballers are role models, and warned how the decision would reflect both on the club and the country.
His comments come after Hibernians, who are top of the country's domestic league, said they had made an offer to Evans for the remainder of the season.
The 26-year-old had an offer to train with League One United withdrawn in November after his release from prison following strong opposition.
Other English clubs including Tranmere and Oldham also rejected the chance to sign him.
However, Malta's Justice Minister, Owen Bonnici, argued should be given "a second chance".
He tweeted: "If we believe in rehabilitation of ex-prisoners we should practice what we preach."
Club vice-president Stephen Vaughan, the controversial former Chester City owner, told Sky News: "The bottom line is Ched Evans has been punished for previous misdemeanours.
"We are looking at signing Ched Evans the footballer.
"We are looking for a centre-forward that can find the back of the net, and we believe Ched Evans fits the bill."
Mr Vaughan, who was disqualified from acting as a company director for 11 years in 2009 for his involvement in an alleged £500,000 VAT fraud and was jailed in 2011 for attacking a police officer, said he was "very confident" of doing a deal to sign Evans.
"If someone offers you a cheap Ferrari, you're gonna drive it," Mr Vaughan said.
However, a statement issued by the office of the Maltese PM said: "Footballers are role models and the decision by Hibernians will not only define the club but also, to a certain extent, Malta.
"The PM hopes that the decision by the club's management takes this into consideration before the final decision."
But Hibernians technical director, Jeffrey Farrugia, told Sky News Evans' rape conviction would not be a problem for the club.
"He paid for what he did so for us it is not an issue," he said.
"We'll open the doors for him to come over here and start his career again in international football."
Evans is keen to resume his playing career after being released from prison in October.
He served two-and-a-half years of a five-year sentence after being found guilty of raping a 19-year-old woman in 2011. He claimed she had agreed to have sex.
He was initially given permission by Sheffield United to train with them at the request of players' union, the Professional Footballers Association.
But following a backlash from supporters, sponsors and patrons, including Olympic gold medallist Jessica Ennis-Hill, the club changed their mind.
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