Ayina a target for clubs in both Scotland and England
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CALEY Thistle face competition from both sides of the border for striker John-Christophe Ayina.
The French forward has left Inverness following a week-long trial in the Highland capital during which time he scored in a 4-0 friendly win over Clach.
John Hughes stated last week that he would maybe look at pursuing Ayina and the Courier understands the Caley Thistle manager’s perspective remains the same.
However, Ayina’s representative in the UK, Abdul Bihi, insists talks between his client and the Highland capital club are set to take place over the coming days with a view to thrashing out a deal for the one time Paris St-Germain B team, US Quevilly and Racing Santander striker, who is believed to be interesting another Scottish Premiership club, as well as a couple of sides in England’s League One.
"John was very happy to come for a week to train with Inverness," said Bihi. "He was made very welcome by the club, especially the manager.
"We will start discussions with the club in the next few days and hopefully we will get a deal sorted within the next week or so, even though there are several other clubs who are interested in John.
"It will not come down to finances, but a footballing decision as John’s dream in the long-term is to grace the English Premier League one day."
Caley Thistle are back in friendly action tomorrow night with a trip to Highland League side Forres Mechanics (kick-off 7.30pm)
The game gives Hughes another chance to boost the fitness levels of his squad, but he also wants to see some of his players push themselves to the forefront of his thoughts for the season opener at Hamilton Accies on Saturday 9th August.
"Guys like Nick Ross, Liam Polworth and Ryan Christie, I want them to come back and really stake a claim for the first-team," said Hughes, who will still be without captain Richie Foran tomorrow evening as he recovers from a tweak to his knee.
"The three of them have come back in great nick. In fact, in terms of Liam and Nick, I’m going to have to put the reins on these guys.
"They are two who have come back and are really sharp. Others have as well, but I’m mentioning them because I want them to push on.
"These two have really taken on board what I want from them and now I’m going to have to go and reward that.
"I’m not going to ask them to do something and not reward it, so the way to do that is to give them game time.
"That’s the next step. They’ve got to get game time and be man of the match.
"Go and run the show in the games. Go and show what you can do and if they do that, then I’ve got a real headache.
"I’m mentioning Liam and Nick, along with Ryan, because that’s the three I want to see push for a place, and probably James Vincent as well.
"Young Christie is still lacking that wee bit strength, but the man’s pre-season we are giving him will do him the world of good."
Meanwhile, new signing Ryan Baptie scored as Caley Thistle’s under-20s defeated Fort William 6-2 in a friendly at Claggan Park.
Calum Ferguson hit a hat-trick, while Jaime Wilson and Chris Blackett were also on target for Inverness, but it was 19-year-old defender Baptie, who spent eight years at Hibernian before coming to Caley Thistle, who caught the eye of under-20s coach Duncan Shearer.
"I spoke to Maurice Malpas [former Caley Thistle and Hibernian assistant manager] about Ryan," he said. "He told me that before Hibs were relegated, they had offered Ryan a two-year deal.
"Technically he’s a very good left back, although I had to play him at centre half against Fort William.
"I’m looking forward to seeing more of him, especially as in terms of ability he was head and shoulders above a lot of players in the Fort William match. He certainly looks a good acquisition."
