Richie Foran plans for quiet January transfer window at Caley Thistle
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
RICHIE Foran does not expect Caley Thistle to be busy in the January transfer window.
The Caley Jags boss is happy with the squad he has in place and has no plans to strengthen further when the transfer window opens.
Only Alex Fisher is out of contract, with his six-month extension expected to be concluded this week, but no further extensions have been offered as yet.
He has already pledged to leave Greg Tansey and Josh Meekings alone until December, while first-team players like Carl Tremarco, Lewis Horner, Kevin McNaughton, Cammy Mackay, Ali Sutherland and Jason Brown will also see their deals expire.
Foran added three players following the start of the season, with Lonsana Doumbouya, Brad Mckay and Larnell Cole joining after the 5-1 defeat to Hearts. The budget, for now, has been “maxed out” according to Foran, with no further additions likely.
“It’ll possibly be a quiet month for us,” said Foran. “In terms of the budget, we maxed that out. I’m not looking for anything at this moment and I’m happy with what we’ve got.
“If we get to the end of the season and we keep this squad, I’ll be delighted. If you were to get one or two more in January then great, but I’m happy with what we’ve got.”
The winter months have traditionally seen Caley Thistle active, with both incomings and outgoings. Danny Devine, Greg Tansey, Edward Ofere and Aaron Doran were all recruited during the second half of the season, with Ryan Christie, Billy Mckay and Dani Lopez among those who have been let go in January.
Last year saw then-manager John Hughes bring in midfielders Ryan Williams and Liam Hughes to cover for a growing injury list, which saw the Caley Thistle board make greater financial allowances to expand the squad.
The Caley Jags currently have a 23-man squad with only McNaughton on the long-term injury list, so the necessity for January dealings is not great.
Veteran defender McNaughton told the Inverness Courier on Friday that he hoped to make his return from an achilles injury before the end of the campaign and Foran, who signed him to a one-year contract in the summer, knows what kind of impact he can have.
“You’d not think he had a serious injury, the way he conducts himself,” said Foran.
“He’s in among the lads in the dressing room and he’s a very positive guy. He’s experienced and has seen it all. He’s the kind of guy that our young players could and should learn from.
“I’m hoping to have Kev back before the end of the season. He’s still smiling and hasn’t let it affect him – he’s a great character. If we can get him back before the end of the season it’ll be great for us all.”
The only immediate business expected to be done at the Caledonian Stadium is that of the future of Alex Fisher.
A six-month extension, taking the forward through to the end of the season, is on the table and should be completed this week, after Fisher spent time away during the international break.
“Alex was down in St George’s Park and we’re hoping to get that one signed up. But that’s it for now. There’s a few others (out of contract) but there’ll be nothing else getting done at this moment,” added Foran.
“There’ll be no further pressure put on Greg and Josh – they can go play their football. I’ll speak to them again at the end of December and get their thoughts.
“It’s going to be their decision and they know how much I respect them. I want them to stay. But the decision will solely come down to them and let’s just hope it’s good for us.”
This month saw in-form striker Lonsana Doumbouya, who has scored four goals in his last seven games, receive his maiden call-up to the Guinea squad, which was a target of his when he joined Caley Thistle in August.
But, according to Foran, he may not be the last to receive international recognition.
“If Liam Polworth keeps progressing the way he is and improving; he’s a beautiful player on the ball. He’s got vision and he’s a goal threat. We’ve been working on his heading and tackling and he’s definitely one to watch,” he said.
