Louis Laing is determined to prove he can make the grade in Scottish football after completing his move to Caley Thistle.
The Newcastle-born defender, who struggled for playing time at Motherwell and spent the first half of the season on loan at English League Two side Notts County, was poised to move to Australia, but opted to return to Scotland with Caley Jags.
Earlier this week Inverness manager Richie Foran conceded defeat in his efforts to sign the 23-year-old but resurrected the move after the former Sunderland player’s move fell through.
The arrival of Laing is a tonic for Inverness, who are three points adrift at the foot of the Premiership and have a shortage of central defenders for tomorrow’s game against Hearts at Tynecastle.
Captain Gary Warren and Brad McKay are suspended, while Josh Meekings, Kevin McNaughton and Lewis Horner sidelined through injury.
Despite struggling to hold down a regular place during his two years with Well, in which he made just 31 appearances, Laing believes his arrival can lift Caley Jags’ prospects of survival and said: “Coming from Motherwell where I wasn’t going to be playing, I jumped at the chance to come here, especially being a free agent and not having a club.
“I’ve got total confidence. I’m not saying I’m a world-beater, but I’m an extra body in the squad and I feel as though I’ll be a good addition.
“Everyone is positive about the situation. Inverness is a big club and I feel like there’s a great opportunity to get out of the position we’re in. I feel I can help do that.
“I had a couple of different things abroad and a few things in England as well, but I’m here and I’m really happy to be here, and I’d like to think I can help the squad get out of the position they’re in.”
Foran could pitch Laing straight into his side for tomorrow’s game against the Jambos, with on-loan Celtic teenager Jamie McCart his only other available central defender.
The Inverness manager was pleased to resurrect the deal to sign Laing and said: “It looked as if he was going to Australia and it fell through. He was eager to get up here from Newcastle after that. He has a bit of a class about him and has aerial presence. He’s got pace as well, which helps with Josh Meekings being out.
“He wanted to come. His move fell through on Wednesday and he was straight up from Newcastle as he knows we’re not too far away from being a top-six team and I can see his hunger to produce in the remaining months of the season.
“He’s a possibility for the weekend. He’s fit enough, his last competitive game was in December and he says he’s ready to start.
“I see him as a centre half as his pace can get us out of trouble and he’s aggressive. He’s a very good addition to the team.”