Ross County manager Jim McIntyre insists the Staggies were powerless to resist Dutch midfielder Melvin de Leeuw leaving for personal reasons.
The 26-year-old agreed an early release from his Staggies contract this week in order to return to his native Netherlands.
After joining from SC Cambuur last summer, De Leeuw made a big impression with the County supporters in his debut season, finishing as the club’s top scorer with nine goals.
But he became increasingly unsettled in the Highlands, leaving manager McIntyre with no option but to regrettably allow him to go.
McIntyre said: “Melvin came to us a couple of weeks ago and intimated he was unhappy with life in general and for personal reasons he wanted to go back home. We are disappointed as Melvin is a player we like and he has good quality. However, there is no point in keeping a player who’s unhappy.”
With his squad a man lighter, McIntyre could now turn to midfielder Martin Woods, who came off the bench to provide the assist for County’s second goal against St Mirren. Woods followed that up by netting within 40 seconds for County’s Development League side against Hamilton on Monday. Steven Saunders is also back after an ankle injury.
McIntyre added: “Martin Woods is still a couple of weeks off where we think he should be. However, it was a very encouraging debut off the bench. His first-time pass for Graham Carey’s goal was exceptional.
“I’m really pleased with the impact he made as a substitute and he played 75 minutes on Monday while Jamie Reckord played the full 90 minutes. It’s important we don’t ask too much too soon of the boys we’ve signed outside the window. We’ve got to be careful with them.
“Steven Saunders has had a horrendous last three years. He has struggled with bad luck on the injury front. It’s nice to see him back but we’ll take our time with him and give him plenty games with the Development League side.
“Some of the young guys such as Steven Ross and Tony Dingwall, who also came on for us on Saturday, have been doing really well. These boys have been waiting a long time.”