Hughes keeping options open over Gow
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JOHN Hughes has not ruled out a possible move in the future for Alan Gow.
Gow, who came to prominence with Airdrieonians and Falkirk before making a high profile switch to Rangers, is training with Caley Thistle as he look to battle his way back to fitness from a serious ankle injury.
Inverness manager Hughes knows the former Motherwell and Exeter City forward well having worked with him during his spell as manager of the Bairns and was only to happy to help the 31-year-old out.
Gow is currently a free agent having opted not to take up the chance of earning a contract with Bristol Rovers, the club he spent part of last season on-loan to from Exeter.
It was during his spell with Rovers that Gow, who was capped by Scotland at B level in 2007, damaged ankle ligaments and missed the remainder of the campaign.
With family in the area, Gow has come to the Highland capital looking to continue his rehabilitation and while Hughes dismissed the possibility of any deal being done just now to bring the player to Caley Thistle, it may well be an option in the future.
"He’s got relatives up here, so he contacted me to let me know he was coming up and asked if he could train with us," said the Caley Jags boss.
"He’s only just come back from a really bad ankle injury. He trained with us the other day and it really showed just how bad the injury was as he had to pull out of training the next day because it was aching.
"He’s a Clydebank boy, so it’s a bit far out for him to come up here and for us to help him out in terms of his rehab, but I would be willing to do that because he’s a lovely guy.
"You never know what might happen after that, but first and foremost, if we can play a part to help him along the way I’m happy to do that. Then if he says thanks for helping me, I will come and play for you for six months that might happen.
"He’s a lovely footballer, but he has a lot of work in front of him to get over that ankle injury.
"He’s probably got a right good couple of months of rehab to strengthen his ankle and get confidence in it.
"He’s in limbo at the moment because he doesn’t have a club, so there’s certainly nothing imminent on that front, that’s for sure."
Hughes is still awaiting news on injured defender Danny Devine. The 21-year-old twisted his knee in the 5-0 friendly win over Forres Mechanics last week and needs a scan to determine the full extent of the damage and how long he will be out for.
Depending on the outcome, Hughes conceded he may have to change his transfer plans. He is still mulling over whether to use his budget to bring in a player who can go into the starting line-up straight away, or look to get two youngsters, probably on loan deals, who are looking to push for first-team football.
Hughes has closed the door on a move for striker John-Christophe Ayina — for now. The Frenchman spent time on trial at Caley Thistle earlier in pre-season, scoring in a friendly against Clach, but Hughes is now pursuing other options, although he has not completely closed the door on the 23-year-old.
Meanwhile, Hughes has no new injury concerns as Inverness continue their preparations ahead of the new season with a trip to Scottish Championship side Raith Rovers tomorrow.
Club captain Richie Foran continues to miss out with a knee injury, but Hughes is still hopeful that he will play some part in pre-season.
"He’s just aggravated his knee a little bit, so he has to let it settle down," he said. ""Richie’s like a caged tiger just now and there’s no doubt we’re missing him, but at the same time we do have to hold him back."
