Caley Thistle manager John Hughes has criticised the “stupid” agent of Graeme Shinnie for claiming the defender will leave Inverness at the end of the season.
Clive Hart last week revealed Shinnie is seeking a new challenge when his Caley Jags contract expires at the end of this term, with the 23-year-old likely to attract interest from hometown team Aberdeen as well as clubs south of the border.
Hart’s comments have irked Hughes, although the Caley Thistle manager is not surprised Shinnie has attracted interest.
Hughes said: “I have to say it’s very unprofessional and disrespectful from the agent. If it were my agent, I’d be very disappointed in his comments.
“There have been inquiries, there are teams sniffing about him. He’s had a wonderful season.
“Everything is still very harmonious. I could see when I spoke to Graeme that there was a little bit of embarrassment.
“I don’t think his agent has done him any good. There are a lot of phone calls here, there and everywhere.
“I’ll keep the teams to myself unless the agent wants to give me a phone.”
Although Hughes would not hold a grudge if Shinnie left, he is still hopeful of convincing the full back to remain with the club beyond the expiry of his contract next summer.
Hughes added: “We’re still trying very hard to keep him at the club. I still think he’s got another year to go but obviously his agent doesn’t.
“If anyone can go and double and treble their wages, by all means go and do that. He’s got a family to look after – that’s football. It evolves constantly.
“He’s probably one of the main reasons why we’re doing so well. He’s a beautiful footballer and I would pay money to watch him. He’s everything I want from a footballer.
“We’ve not given up hope, we’re still trying very hard to convince him another year here is the best thing for him.
“But I’m fully prepared. If he moves on, we just need to get on with it and see what we can dig out. That’s when contacts and recruitment comes into it.
“Just now, though, there’s more embarrassment for Graeme, and more embarrassment for me that reporters are asking about it because of a stupid agent who should know better.”