Injuries mount for ICT
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Lee Cox is expected to miss the start of the new Scottish Premier League season later this month with a pelvic injury, while summer signing Gregory Tade will not travel with the rest of the squad on Monday to their training base at Bath University. Instead, he will remain in Inverness to undergo treatment on an Achilles problem.
Graeme Shinnie is also considered doubtful after damaging his hamstring in the 3-0 friendly win at Elgin City last weekend, which could keep him out for up to three weeks.
Butcher had also had to put his plans to sign Kerrea Gilbert on hold as he waits to see how his calf injury responds to treatment. The former Arsenal defender had been in talks with Caley Thistle about signing permanently after a successful trial spell.
“It’s a small calf strain that Kerrea’s got, but it’s going to rule him out of action for a few weeks,” said Butcher.
“It’s a massive blow, not only for him, but ourselves as well because we had hoped to have signed him by now.
“He’s now got to go away and get some rehab because it could develop into a chronic problem.
“Hopefully it will settle down quickly, but we’ll monitor how the treatment goes before deciding if we want to take our interest further.”
Of the other players on trial at Caley Thistle, only Jamie Stevenson is expected to feature in tomorrow’s friendly at Livingston.
Jean-Francois Christophe has returned to France to seek treatment for a hip injury and Alex Cooper is doubtful after picking up a groin strain.
One piece of good news for Butcher, however, is that Jonny Hayes could play some part in the match against Livingston after receiving the all-clear to resume full training.
The winger had an ankle operation at the end of last campaign. While he returned for pre-season, the Irishman has not been able to play any of Caley Thistle’s friendlies so far. But after being given the green light by the specialist earlier this week, Hayes is all set to step up his bid to be back playing before the season starts.
Meanwhile, Butcher is doubtful if he will have any new faces in before Inverness head to England on Monday for a hectic schedule of three games in just five days.
Tom Aldred, Greg Tansey, Andrew Shinnie, Josh Meekings and Tade have all arrived in the close season, but Butcher is well aware of the need to strengthen further.
“We are very short and very thin on the ground in terms of numbers,” he said. “I’m still working away to get players, but nothing is happening just now.
“There are quite a few of the young players like Andy Greig and Liam Polworth who will be going with us to Bath, so that’s an unexpected boost for them.
“It’s going to be exciting as all the players will be able to focus fully on their football and it will be a real test with the games coming up in quick succession, so we’re looking forward to it.”
Caley Thistle will fly down to England from Inverness on Monday. They will play Yeovil Town 24 hours later, before facing Bristol Rovers on Thursday and Aldershot Town on the Saturday.
