Injury robbed winger Nathan Shaw of the chance to help keep Caley Thistle in the Championship – but he’s delighted to be back playing in the division with Morton.
A recurrence of a hamstring injury sustained in the 1-1 draw at Dundee United in March ended the player’s time with Inverness, which he’d largely enjoyed since signing for former boss Billy Dodds in July 2022.
The capture from AFC Fylde scored 14 goals in 79 outings for ICT, but as he was getting set for surgery, his team-mates were unable to prevent ICT falling into League One via the play-off final defeat against Hamilton.
Ex-Inverness midfielder – and Morton boss – Dougie Imrie has been a long-time admirer of Shaw when in opposition and he made his move to Cappielow after signing a one-year contract as his deal expired at ICT.
Shaw’s keen to attack for Imrie’s side
In an interview with the Greenock Telegraph, 23-year-old Shaw spoke of his frustration at being sidelined at such a critical time.
He said: “That wasn’t how I wanted my time at Inverness to end, at all. I don’t think anyone wanted it to end like that.
“But I’d say for myself, it was frustrating because obviously I was injured in the back end of the season. So no, it wasn’t a great ending because I couldn’t help the boys out in the way that I’d wanted.
“I really enjoyed my football up in Inverness, and I want to bring that here to Morton with me, I want to help the team out at the attacking end of the pitch and I’m looking forward to helping out up at the top end of the pitch.
“After playing against Morton a lot over the last few seasons, the gaffer’s team is definitely something that you want to be a part of.
“You always knew you were in for a tough time coming down here to Cappielow, everyone gave 100% on the pitch and you were really lucky to come out on top should you have come away with a result.”
Oakley gave Shaw nod for Ton switch
Former Inverness striker George Oakley swapped the Highlands for Morton in January 2023, scoring 19 goals for the Ton.
He’s just joined Scott Brown’s Ayr United, but he gave Shaw the thumbs-up about moving to Morton.
Shaw said: “I did actually speak to George when the gaffer first got in touch.
“I got on with him really well at Inverness and I’d seen how well he’d done here, so I was quick to ask him about the club.
“And to be fair, he couldn’t speak highly enough about the place.
“He raved about the staff and the boys, so he definitely made the decision a lot easier to make.
“You can tell with the type of guy that George is, that when he’s really enjoyed something and is bigging a place up, he means it.
“You could see how much he was enjoying it by the amount of goals he was scoring too, which is what you want as a forward player.”
Shaw eager to make an early impact
Shaw is close to getting fit and up to speed with his new team-mates as Morton, who finished four places and three points above second-bottom ICT, wants to make a strong early impression.
He added: “Getting settled in is my main priority just now, I’m not looking that far ahead just yet.
“But after missing a few games at the back end of last season, my aim first and foremost is to be fit for the full duration of the season and be involved in as many games as I can.
“The operation on my hamstring went well, thankfully. Everyone was pleased with it so I’m looking forward to getting back fit and playing regularly.”
Clach provide first test for Inverness
Highland League hosts Clachnacuddin play ICT in their first friendly test on Saturday (2pm kick-off) before visiting Ross Tokely’s Nairn County on Tuesday night.
Next Saturday, they visit Championship runners-up Raith Rovers before they head north to take on Brora Rangers on Tuesday, July 9.
ICT’s first competitive game takes them to fellow League One side Annan Athletic for their opening Premier Sports Cup tie on Saturday, July 13.
Hyde makes switch to Elgin City
Elgin City have completed the double signing of Lewis Hyde and Dylan Gavin.
Hyde, a product of the Caley Thistle youth academy, was let go by the Highland capital outfit after their relegation this summer and joins on a two-year deal.
Midfielder Hyde made 48 appearances for the Caley Jags’ first-team and had loan spells with Highland League sides Rothes and Brora Rangers.
Irish striker Gavin spent time in Charlton Athletic’s youth setup and joins from Athlone Town also on a two-year deal.
Gavin, 21, joined Charlton as a teenager from his native Athlone and had loan spells at several National League South sides, including Billericay, Tonbridge Angels, Welling United and Dulwich Hamlet.
He returned to Athlone in 2023 and has netted twice in 20 appearances for the League of Ireland First Division outfit.
