Inverness manager Brewster would only say that talks regarding the pair were still continuing yesterday, but it would appear increasingly likely that they will sign for the Inverness side within the next 24 hours, subject to medical checks.

Gathuessi (26) and 23-year-old Morais have both been deemed surplus to requirements at Hibs and now seem set to move to Caley Thistle in search of first-team football, although whether the deals for the duo are loans or permanent has still to be resolved.

Both players arrived at Easter Road in July 2007, but ex-Montpellier defender Gathuessi, who comes from Cameroon, and Portuguese winger Morais have struggled to make an impact in the Scottish Capital.

Brewster, however, is keen to offer the pair a fresh start in Inverness, although he was refusing to say too much yesterday on their seemingly imminent arrivals.

"Until they've signed I don't want to say anything more than that," he stated. "All I can say is that I am interested in these two players and that negotiations are ongoing."

Brewster is also currently giving trials to three players after Latvian defender Pavels Mihadjuks was joined yesterday by fellow countryman Vladimirs Kolesnicenko, who is an attacking midfielder with over 30 caps for his country, and Scottish striker Ryan Harper.

Mihadjuks (28) has already impressed Brewster with his physical presence, while Kolesnicenko, also 28, and Harper had their first training session on Thursday.

Both the Latvians have arrived from the current champions of their country, FK Ventspils, in a bid to earn deals while Harper, who was once believed to be attracting the attention of Spanish giants Real Betis and English Premier side Portsmouth, has come over from Spanish Third Division club Villaneuva.

"We certainly won't be taking any risks with them, especially if they are no better than what we have here already," said Brewster, who will hear for definite by the middle of next week if veteran defender Steven Pressley will be joining Caley Thistle until the end of the season. "We have good players at this club, so it has to take someone who stands out.

"Pavels has been here for three days, while Vladimir has only had one training session, but I'll probably have a word with their agent tomorrow."

With plenty of proposed transfer activity at Caley Thistle, Brewster has been true to his word of making moves to bolster the squad during this month's transfer window.

He hopes that the arrival of some fresh faces can galvanise the Highland Capital side's fortunes, given it will increase competition within his first-team pool.

Craig Brewster is hoping to sign Thierry Gathuessi (left) and Filipe Morais (right) from Hibs.

"I have said over the last few weeks that it was important we got a few new faces in just to give everyone a lift," added Brewster. "If we can do that then suddenly the standard goes up."

Brewster did not know if Gathuessi or former Chelsea player Morais, should they sign today, would be available to play in the fourth round Homecoming Scottish Cup tie at home to Partick Thistle tomorrow — a game that he is targeting as the opportunity to get a much-needed victory.

Six straight SPL defeats have seen Caley Thistle slump to the bottom of the league, but a win in the cup against Partick could be the catalyst that kickstarts what has so far been a disappointing campaign.

The Jags, however, will be no pushovers and took Rangers to a replay in the League Cup earlier in the season, before losing at Firhill.

With several players possessing SPL experience, Inverness face a stern test of their credentials as they bid to show why they are one of Scotland's top flight clubs.

"The league is the important one, but we are all looking forward to the Scottish Cup game," said Brewster. "Everyone wants to be in the draw for the next round and we've got to put on a performance to justify that.

"It's a competition I like very much and I'm sure Partick will come up with a few fans that should help to create a good atmosphere.

"They'll certainly be looking forward to it, as we are, and we know that we need to put on a performance.

"Partick have already shown in the League Cup games they played against Rangers that they can perform well, so that obviously like playing against bigger teams."

Brewster has a full squad to choose from with the exception of Phil McGuire, who is suspended, but would probably have missed out anyway due to having flu.

sports@inverness-courier.co.uk

Latvian defender Vladimirs Kolesnicenko (left) and attacking midfielder Pavels Mihadjuks will have trials with Caley Thistle.

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