Butcher ready to move for duo
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TERRY Butcher has spoken to both Kerrea Gilbert and Andrew Shinnie about the possibility of them joining Caley Thistle on permanent deals.
Midfielder Shinnie has been a standout performer in the two friendly matches Inverness have played so far during pre-season, while ex-Arsenal defender Gilbert, who featured in the first 45 minutes against Clach on Monday before having to come off with an injury, is another to have impressed Caley Thistle manager Butcher.
He is hopeful of being able to keep the pair at the Highland Capital club as he attempts to bolster his squad for next season.
The Courier also understands that Butcher is keen to bring former Ipswich Town youngster Josh Meekings to Caley Thistle.
The 18-year-old central defender has played at both Clach and Forres, but will miss tomorrow's friendly at Elgin City as he has travelled back to England due to family reasons. Meekings, however, is expected to return to training with Caley Thistle next week.
One player who will not be coming back to Inverness is goalkeeper Michael Andrews after Butcher dropped his interest in the ex-Falkirk player.
Fellow trialists Jean-Francois Christophe and Jamie Stevenson have yet to feature and both remain doubts to be involved at Borough Briggs this weekend, along with Jonny Hayes.
"I would like to see Jonny play on Saturday, but we're not just 100 per cent sure if his ankle would be able to stand up to a strong challenge," said Butcher, who will still be without Lee Cox and new signings Gregory Tade and Tom Aldred.
"He is going to see the specialist again next week, so hopefully after that he will be given the all clear."
Meanwhile, Butcher insists he is close to concluding deals for "one or two" new players and hopes to make announcements next week.
Any potential arrivals, however, will not include Terry Gornell. Contrary to reports earlier in the week, the 21-year-old striker is expected to sign for English League Two side Shrewsbury Town.
Butcher will now step up his search for a frontman after Adam Rooney chose to join English Championship side Birmingham City on a two-year deal.
The 23-year-old, Caley Thistle's top scorer for the previous two campaigns, opted not to accept the offer of a one-year contract from Inverness, to instead pen a deal with the West Midlands club, who were relegated from the Premiership last season.
