Foran pins hopes on ‘yes’ from Meekings
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DEFENDER Josh Meekings was offered a Caley Thistle contract extension – even before he blasted back from his knee injury.
Manager Richie Foran confirmed that the two-year deal offered to the experienced was put to him before he returned from his knee injury and he hopes that the 24-year-old delivers great news for fans.
He explained: "I have spoken to Josh and his agent and we are just waiting to hear back. We offered him an extension to his contract even before he came back from injury to play for us. That’s how much faith we have in him. That’s how wanted he is here. He’s been immense since he came back. He is a power-house at the back and he has a wonderful partnership with Gary Warren. We would love to get Josh tied up on a longer contract."
A new deal is also on the table for 27-year-old Greg Tansey, who back in January was a wanted man by Aberdeen, who felt they had triggered a release clause.
Foran said: "We spoke to Greg last month and he is happy to leave it where it is at the moment. He just wants to concentrate on his football. He’s a great lad and we will speak to him again in November or December and see if he has changed his mind at all. Right now, he’s concentrating on football and doing really well for us."
The former club captain was delighted to take in St Johnstone and former Hearts defender Brad McKay (23) on a two-year deal last week as well as attacking midfielder and wide player Larnell Cole (23) on loan from Fulham until the end of the just ahead of the summer transfer window shutting.
Foran said: "With Kevin set to miss a large part of the season, we needed a defender in, that was a priority. Brad has come in and he’s match-fit, he’s clearly got experience of the Scottish Premiership. He’s a big lad, strong and aggressive, good in the air and he has a good engine. He is also vocal, a leader.
"It was great timing for us getting Brad. We were lucky in that regard, but when we made contact he couldn’t get up here quick enough. That stood out for me. He wasn’t hanging about waiting for other options. He wanted to be here and he’s hungry to play and improve himself."
He was thrilled to land former Manchester United kid Cole and reckons ICT fans will be off their seat with what he will offer while in the Highlands.
He added: "We had been speaking to Fulham for a couple of weeks and the finances required were too high at the time. Thankfully, we agreed to that, although it did come down to the final few hours, so that was a bit too close, closer than I would have wanted. To get it pushed over the line was fantastic. He was at Stevenage last season and done really well there.
"He has a lot of pace, he’s direct, which is what I like, that excite supporters and I’m sure they will enjoy that. He also knows, though, that he’s in for a battle to get into the team.
"When he trained with the squad on Monday, he seen the quality we have here. He’s a great addition to the squad. He can also play up top or out wide as well and that was another big reason that we signed him."
Foran now has a pool of 22 players and said that he is keen to add at least one more out of contract addition.
ICT are at full strength for their trip to the Granite City, with keeper Ryan Esson the only absentee due to an elbow injury.
