Caley Thistle manager John Robertson’s plans to strengthen his squad are on hold with big-earners still at the club.
The manager needs to off-load at least two of his established players to fund signings, with goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams confirmed as one of those free to go.
But the Wales international is contracted through to summer 2019 and, Robertson acknowledged, well within his rights to stick around until he finds the right club. With deals stalled, it makes for a frustrating time for Robertson who said: “Any moves for new players are dictated by players going out. Some deals might happen quickly and some might take a while. Once they go out, we can bring four or five in.
“There’s rumours and little bits here and there, but no club has contacted us. One or two agents reckon they might have a solution but, until that’s on the table, they remain Caley Thistle players.”
Robertson’s squad would look healthier were it not for the misfortune of losing both defender Carl Tremarco and midfielder Aaron Doran to injury until November.
Bad luck struck last week when Zac Elbouzedi, the Irish midfielder previously with West Brom, joined the casualty list with a cartilage problem.
Specialists are yet to determine the likely length of time the Dubliner will spend on the sidelines.
Robertson knows when those three return they will be like new signings.
He said: “It can be soul- destroying having a long-term injury but they’ve got their plans and they’re doing all they can to get back fit.
“We can’t rush them. They’ve got to come back in natural time and it’ll be November before they’re ready.
“I look at the quality those three have and they are what we need just now.”