Craig Brewster has ruled himself out of a third spell as Caley Thistle manager.
The 46-year-old has shot down claims he is in the running to succeed Terry Butcher after two separate spells at Inverness from November 2004 to January 2006 and August 2007 to January 2009.
Brighton coach Brewster will not be heading north again and, contrary to reports ex-Portsmouth, Blackpool and Blackburn Rovers manager Michael Appleton is not a serious contender to take over at Caledonian Stadium.
Former Leeds United manager Kevin Blackwell, however, is interested in the post but Paul Hartley and John Hughes remain the leading candidates.
Inverness under-20 coach Duncan Shearer faced the media yesterday but could not provide any fresh names in the Caley Jags managerial search.
The long process to appoint a new manager goes on meaning Shearer and fellow youth coach Scott Kellacher will be in the dugout for tomorrow’s Scottish Cup fourth-round home tie against Morton.
Captain Richie Foran is suspended and will watch from the stand, with Liam Polworth or Danny Williams coming into the Inverness team in the Irishman’s place.
Shearer said: “I spoke to the chairman (Kenny Cameron) at length but I never asked him who he is interviewing as it is none of my business.
“He has kept it close to his chest until business is complete. I will be more than happy if the new man comes in next Tuesday or Wednesday.
“It is a good job for somebody if they can buy into the way of life up here and what Inverness is all about.”
The former Scotland international added: “The players are incredible and I said to them after the St Johnstone game that I could understand how Terry Butcher and Maurice Malpas were so upset to leave.
“I have seen first hand how they go about their business and work together. There are two teams I have played in that had the same spirit in the dressing room as here.
“The Aberdeen team in the 1992-1993 season when we were runners-up to Rangers and made it to two cup finals and the Swindon team I was in from 1989-90 under Ossie Ardiles and Glenn Hoddle.
“The players here are up there with them in terms of motivation.”