Caley Thistle defender Gary Warren is targeting silverware and European football in the Highlands after committing his future to the Inverness club.
The 29-year-old, who has scored nine goals in 78 appearances for the club, signed a new three-year deal with the Highlanders yesterday to extend his stay at the club until May 2017.
Having been part of two of the most successful years in the club’s history, Warren is eager to continue making progress at Caledonian Stadium and believes winning a trophy and playing in the Europa League must be the club’s aim next season.
He said: “The club has had a great couple of years and to be part of that has been great and I want to continue being part of it.
“The Highlands is a lovely place to live and work and I’m settled here. We’ve got a group of lads here who I believe have only just started and if we can get some more signed up this club can be bigger and better than it has been.
“We want to improve every year. We’ve finished fourth in the league in my first season and finished fifth this season and reached a cup final. The challenge for us next year is to go one better again which is targeting a place in Europe and trying to win a cup.”
Having secured his future for the next three years Warren will begin preparing for life off the pitch during his time in Inverness.
He said: “I am keen to start my coaching badges and have discussed and agreed this with the chairman and the manager as I see this adding a further dimension to my game. I am keen to help and assist the club in any way I can.”
Warren’s new deal follows a new two-year contract for attacking midfielder Ryan Christie on Friday and the Englishman expects to see his young team-mate stake his claim for a regular place when the players return for training next month.
He said: “Ryan has done brilliantly since he has come in and deserves an extension. He is a player for the future but if he comes back for pre-season fighting fit he has a chance.”
Caley Jags manager John Hughes is delighted Warren has signed a new deal.
He said: “Gary is a fine player and a great type to have at the club, so I’m very pleased that he has committed himself to us.
“This is an important step towards the continuity and stability of our squad which I’m seeking.”