Elgin City manager Gavin Price hopes to reach an agreement with Caley Thistle to allow attacker Daniel MacKay to extend his loan deal at Borough Briggs.
MacKay has made a strong impression for the Black and Whites since joining the Moray side on a temporary deal in August, making 18 appearances and netting twice.
The 18-year-old’s deal comes to an end after Saturday’s League 2 match away to Annan Athletic but Price is hopeful of keeping MacKay at City longer.
Price said: “Daniel has got one more game for us.
“We are hopeful of keeping him as he has done well for us. He can play in different positions, up front, or wide right or left.
“He’s a good player to have in the squad and we want to try and extend that deal.”
Price this week secured forward Kane Hester on a new two-year contract until 2022.
However, the Elgin boss remains keen to add another striker following the return of Matthew Aitken to League 1 side Forfar Athletic following his loan spell.
He said: “Matthew went back to Forfar and came on for them on Saturday. They wanted him back early so we let him go.
“We need to get another striker in. We will be working hard on that this week.
“We will be trying to get one if not two players in.”
Price is thrilled to agree new terms with 24-year-old Hester, who has netted 16 goals in 42 appearances since joining from Arbroath last January.
Hester has led the line alongside Shane Sutherland – who is attracting interest from Raith Rovers – in a strike partnership which has brought 35 goals this season and Price feels continuity is key to his plans.
He said: “The partnership with Shane has been excellent, with the goals they have both contributed.
“Kane is improving. I think it’s the first time in his career he has had a sustained period as first-choice striker.
“He’s getting games regularly and I think he’s thriving on that. He’s starting to enjoy his football and get a bit of rhythm.
“He’s at a good age, he’s a good listener and he will continue to get better.
“I have seen him improving a lot this season, and that’s because he’s getting a run of first-team football.
“I think we will see him continue to improve. Hopefully he can be consistent with his goals, which is massive for the club, but his all-round game is starting to improve as he learns the game a bit more.
“We are really trying to get our ducks in a better row this season.
“We’ve got a good squad which is at a good age, and we’re trying to keep it as much as possible together.
“We want to keep a bit of continuity and I don’t think we’re far from being where we want to be.
“Kane is a big part of that and I’m glad to get him signed up.”
