John Robertson has indicated Caley Thistle may rebuff any bid from St Johnstone to take Jamie McCart this month.
McCart has already agreed a pre-contract deal to join the Premiership side in the summer but Robertson, less than pleased with his side’s display in the 1-0 defeat to Ayr on Saturday, suggested Inverness’ need may be greater than St Johnstone’s.
The Caley Jags have already lost Coll Donaldson this month, who was out of contract at the end of the season. He held discussions with Ross County and had reportedly agreed a pre-contract with the Staggies, before they tabled an offer to bring forward the move.
Tommy Wright has already lost Matty Kennedy this month to a similar deal, with Aberdeen tabling a reported £75,000 plus add-ons bid to bring him to Pittodrie earlier than planned.
McCart has not started the last three games, with his place in the centre of defence instead taken by Kevin McHattie. Brad Mckay has returned to the team following Donaldson’s departure.
Asked whether there was any indication St Johnstone may look to take McCart earlier, Robertson said: “Not at the moment. But given Saturday’s performance, maybe that’ll be a decision for us to say he’s not going. He’s a contracted Inverness player and maybe he’s required for us rather than them.”
Caley Thistle, who sit second in the Championship, have a host of players out of contract at the end of the season.
McHattie, Mckay, Shaun Rooney, Carl Tremarco, Charlie Trafford, Aaron Doran, Tom Walsh and Jordan White, as well as backup goalkeeper Cammy Mackay, all see their deals expire in the summer. Rooney has also caught the eye of the Perth Saints, as well as fellow Championship side Dundee.
The only addition Robertson has made this month is Lewis Toshney, who joined as a replacement for Donaldson after his Falkirk contract expired. However, it appears that any more business is unlikely.
“We’re not looking to do anything,” added Robertson. “I’ve got more than enough faith in the players that are here. But one or two boys let themselves down on Saturday, so one or two boys might not be getting away from the club as quick as they realise.”
Robertson rejected any assertions his side were complacent in the defeat at Somerset Park, which saw their lead over the Honest Men shaved to a point in second place.
It was their first league win over Caley Thistle since April 2003, which came courtesy of Stephen Kelly’s first-half goal.
He said: “We’re not good enough to go anywhere and be complacent. That’s definitely not the case. Ayr started the game very well and very hungry and we simply didn’t match it.”