The ICT manager was impressed by the 45 minutes trialist keeper Greg Kelly played in Tuesday's 6-1 romp at Highland League Clach on Tuesday and could well offer the 22-year-old a contract.

It's believed Irn Bru Division One rivals Ayr United are keen to snap up the former Aberdeen and Montrose keeper – but Butcher is in pole position to land him.

He admits, however, the search for a suitable glove rival for Ryan Esson following Michael Fraser's departure to Motherwell has been a tricky one.

He said: "Greg played well in the second half on Tuesday, so I was happy with that.

"Ryan Esson will be our number one, but we need someone to come in and put pressure on him.

"The problem is that top class goalkeepers cost money and we're not flush with that at the moment. Our other keeper, Kyle Allison, did very well when he played for Clach against us this week.

"We're getting more trialists in the next few days to have a look at, as well as two or three next week.

"The positions we need to fill, as well as in goals, are in midfield and in the wider areas, someone with a bit of pace. The squad will be boosted by new additions and we'll be looking to do that in the coming weeks.

"It's difficult to put an ideal figure on the number of players we need to start with next season. I told the board, ideally, we'd be happy enough with 20, but it depends on the money available and what players are available. We can look at a number of trialists in our games over the next week."

Turn to page 51.

Ken Macpherson Trialist ICT keeper Greg Kelly played for 45 minutes against Clach on Tuesday, impressing boss Terry Butcher

The pressure to bolster the ICT player pool was cranked up this week when Eric Odhiambo broke a bone in training and will miss the start of the season, meaning three first-team players will miss the big kick-off.

Butcher explained: "Eric has fractured a metatarsal in his right foot, so he will be out for four to six weeks, which is a massive blow to us, especially as Richie Foran and Ross Tokely miss the first game as well (through suspension).

"It gives other players their chance, though, and I thought Andy Barrowman looked very hungry and sharp on Tuesday, which is great given we had only been back for nine days. Andy has been the pacemaker, he's a very fit guy and he has shown that his goalscoring touch hasn't deserted him."

Barrowman bagged a first-half hat-trick in a lively, impressive display, while Foran grabbed a double and new signing Lee Cox scored a sweet low drive in the 6-1 win at Merkinch.

Butcher said: "It was an excellent work-out. There are things we have to work on and sharpen, but generally I thought we did alright. Their attitude was spot on, they passed the ball well with good movement, the strikers held the ball up well.

"It's pleasing when they score goals as well because it comes down to good team play to get to that position. I was a wee bit disappointed we lost the goal, but it gives us something to work on. Overall, it went a lot better than I thought it would.

"We only had five weeks off, so after (the relegation), a lot of the players were desperate to do well. We need that hunger and desire, especially to overcome the injuries that we have faced so far, but also to start the season off with as much of a bang as possible because we face a difficult start (Dunfermline, Ayr United, Dundee and Ross County in August)."

Caley Thistle hit the road on Saturday when Highland League side Buckie Thistle welcome them to Victoria Park and next Tuesday, Butcher takes his team to Third Division Elgin City, with another ICT squad going to Highland League Huntly the following evening.

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