Inverness Caley Thistle player/coach Billy Mckay admits club ‘can’t really replace’ any January exits due to transfer embargo sparked by administration
While much of the focus on Inverness Caledonian Thistle over the last week may well have revolved around the arrivals of Alfie Bavidge and Alfie Stewart from Aberdeen, player/coach Billy Mckay knows it will be a big win if they are able to hang on to their current squad this month too.
The Caley Jags sealed a double loan swoop for the Dons teenagers ahead of their crunch League One match against Dumbarton, with both men playing their parts in a 2-0 win.
Although ICT are in administration, they are still allowed to sign players aged 20 or younger.
That would potentially pose challenges should some of the more experienced members of their squad leave this month, as with BDO says there is no chance the club will exit administration before the transfer window closes they would be unable to replace them like-for-like.
As a result, Mckay knows it is important that players do not leave the Highland capital this month, particularly if clubs believe they could get deals done on the cheap with ICT’s current financial situation.
"With the scenario we're in, we can't really replace anyone who leaves,” he said.
"We physically can't replace experience, so it's important that we do hold on to these guys.
"If we let anyone go, we're bringing in someone who is six or seven years younger, so we're going to try and keep hold of as many as possible "
Caley Thistle’s focus on the pitch is on another crucial League One match away at Annan Athletic this weekend.
Last Saturday’s triumph over Dumbarton saw them move six points clear of the foot of the table, and another three points on Saturday would close the gap to Annan to four points, with Inverness having a game in hand.
However, the biggest challenge may just be getting the game played at all this weekend given the wintry conditions seen around the country, with a pitch inspection called for 1pm tomorrow afternoon.
"We'll just plan as normal and see what the weather is like in the morning," Mckay added.
"Obviously we don't really want a repeat of (the situation we had at) Queen of the South, but it might happen.
"Even at a higher level you see teams trying to plan in advance, and we just want games to go ahead.
"For Queen of the South we were already down there when we were told it was off, but we won last week so we want to continue that form."
