Loan-deal Hornet is Inverness-bound

CALEY Thistle have bolstered their squad for the new season with the addition of former Scotland under-19 defender Tom Aldred.

The 20-year-old centre half has agreed to join the Inverness club on a six-month loan deal from English Championship side, Watford.

Terry Butcher and his players begin pre-season training on Tuesday, with Aldred expected to join the other summer recruits, midfielder Greg Tansey, who switched from Stockport County and ex-Raith Rovers striker Gregory Tade.

After releasing 10 players at the end of last season, Butcher will be delighted to have got Aldred on board, at least until Christmas.

With several defenders released amid the 10-man cull at the end of last season, he'll offer valuable cover in the back line.

Butcher and assistant Maurice Malpas continue to track more targets and will be looking to add further to the squad before the end of the month.

Aaron Doran, who had a successful spell on loan at Caley Thistle from Blackburn Rovers last term, is one player who the ICT management are keen to bring back to the club on another loan deal.

Next Monday (June 27), Caley Thistle begin their pre-season games, with a match away to city neighbours, Highland League side, Clach.

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