Hearts remain interested in Caley Thistle winger Jake Mulraney and could make a move before next week’s transfer deadline.
Irishman Mulraney was invited to spend two days training with the Tynecastle outfit in December, and has enjoyed a productive spell since returning, netting his first senior goal in a 4-1 win over Falkirk earlier this month.
Inverness manager John Robertson says his former club have made further contact over the 21-year-old and insists Caley Jags would not stand in Mulraney’s way if the offer is right.
Robertson said: “Hearts have been in touch with us to chat about Jake’s situation.
“They have priorities as well which they want to try to get in. It may happen before the deadline or it may not. Either way, we’ll be delighted. If Jake moves on to a bigger club, then great – it’s fantastic for him and we wish him well.
“If he doesn’t, then we’ve got a really good player from now until at least the end of the season.
“We had the same aspect with Ross Draper. We didn’t want to lose Ross but unfortunately a team came in with a bid of the proper valuation and Ross wanted to move on to a higher league. You can’t stop that.
“All Jake can do is keep doing what he’s doing.
“He’s capable of being anything he wants to be, we have said that before. But it’s down to him.”
Robertson says Inverness are no further forward in finding out the date of their IRN-BRU Cup semi-final against Northern Irish outfit Crusaders.
The match is provisionally scheduled for February 17, which is the same date as the Northern Irish League Cup final, which Crusaders will reach if they defeat Dungannon Swifts in their last-four tie on Tuesday.
Robertson has been left frustrated by the mix-up, adding: “It seems strange to us that their League Cup final is on the same date as our Challenge Cup semi-final.
“Whether the Scottish league or SFA didn’t think they were going to get as far in the tournament, I don’t know?
“But we feel we’ve not really been consulted until now. This draw was made two months ago. The other semi-final was sorted out within days and we’re still waiting for a date.
“As far as I’m concerned, I’m preparing for February 17, regardless of whether Crusaders win or lose.”
