Dundee United last night swooped to sign former Caley Thistle defender Pavels Mihadjuks.
The Latvian, who had been a long-term target for city rivals Dundee, has agreed a deal to the end of the season after his contract with FK Ventspils expired last month.
United manager Peter Houston was already without long-term absentee Lee Wilkie but recent injuries to Andy Webster, Mihael Kovacevic and Paul Dixon left him short of defensive cover.
Houston has agreed a contract until the end of the season with the 29-year-old former Inverness player and will use the next few months to decide whether to offer him a longer stay.
Houston said: “I saw Pavels during his time with Inverness and was always impressed by him when he played against us.
With injuries to so many defensive players we were looking short at the back, so it was important to bring someone in who can play in defence.
“Pavels has experience and a good physical presence. He also knows what the SPL is all about, so will fit in straight away.
“We're hoping to have him available for Wednesday's game against Hamilton. He's here until the end of the season and that will give us time to see whether it should be extended."
Defender Dixon, meanwhile, faces three weeks on the sidelines with damaged ankle ligaments.
The left back hobbled off against St Johnstone last weekend after tripping and has suffered severe bruising and swelling to his ankle.
United also feared he had injured his medial ligament but the pain in his knee has subsided.
With fellow full back Kovacevic also missing because of a facial injury, Houston had to move to solve his defensive crisis.
Captain Andy Webster is still rated doubtful for the game against Hamilton, so if he does not make it then United could be faced with playing midfielder Greg Cameron as an emergency full back. Houston may recall youngster Keith Watson from his loan at East Fife and said: “The injury comes at a bad time for us, we’re down to the bare bones at the back for the Hamilton game.
“It’s not an ideal situation but that’s why you have a squad of players.
“We have shown great resilience this season and no matter what team we pick against Hamilton they’ll be giving their all.”