Larnell Cole only joined Caley Thistle last week but the on-loan Fulham midfielder needed no introduction to the Highlands.
Cole made the move to Inverness on transfer deadline day, with the Englishman signing on a deal until January.
The 23-year-old has been with the Cottagers since January 2014 when he made the move from Manchester United, where he began his career.
During his time as a youth player at Old Trafford Cole made two trips to Scotland, firstly appearing against Aberdeen in Neil Simpson’s testimonial in August 2012, replacing Ryan Giggs as a substitute, with the Dons winning 2-1 at Pittodrie.
Less than a year later, Cole returned north to play in a friendly against Ross County at Victoria Park, with a youthful United side, which included Bebe, Federico Macheda and James Wilson, drawing 2-2 against the Staggies in July 2013.
It may only have been a flying visit but Cole is hopeful he can adapt to his new surroundings.
He said: “I played in a testimonial at Aberdeen for United the year before Sir Alex Ferguson left. I played at Ross County, too – we stayed in Inverness for that one.
“I played full back in the Ross County game. We went to Loch Ness as a team for a day out. I’m from Manchester and have been in London, so it’s a lot different. I can get my head down and focus. There’s a good team spirit here.
“I found out about the move at training last week. I went in and got a phone call saying there’s a chance of coming here. I had a quick look where Inverness was and saw the nine-hour distance. Me and my friend shared the drive here.”
Cole’s promise as a youngster earned him international recognition for England at under-19s and under-20s level, where he played alongside the likes of Tottenham’s Harry Kane, Manchester City’s John Stones and Everton’s Ross Barkley.
Shortly after making the move to Fulham, Cole’s progress was disrupted by a long-term knee injury suffered during a loan spell at MK Dons which kept him out for the entire 2014-15 season, before he made another loan switch to League One side Shrewsbury Town last season following his recovery.
Cole is hopeful the move to Scotland can further aid his development.
He added: “I’m looking for games. I was out for a year, which hampered me. I had knee surgery but I feel I’m getting back to where I want to be.
“The challenge of playing in the Scottish Premiership is different. League One is a graft but I think the intensity of this league is greater.
“I’m a creative player but some games are not like that, more like a graft. I need to add that.”
