Caley Thistle manager John Robertson has taken his tally of summer signings to six with the addition of Middlesbrough defender Matthew Elsdon on a six-month loan deal.
Elsdon becomes the third defender to join Inverness this week. Former Aston Villa left back Riccardo Calder and Dutch defender Collin Seedorf completed deals this week, joining attackers John Baird and George Oakley, and goalkeeper Mark Ridgers in boosting the Highlanders’ squad.
Elsdon, 20, has yet to make the first-team breakthrough with hometown club Boro and is relishing the chance to prove himself.
He said: “I’ve played under-23s football for a couple of years now at Middlesbrough but I want to come here and get first-team football, and challenge myself.
“I’m ready for the step up and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve been waiting for this for the last year – I need to get men’s football and I think this is the perfect place to start the journey.”
Amsterdam-born Seedorf is the nephew of four-time Champions League winner Clarence Seedorf, who enjoyed a successful career as a midfielder with Ajax, Real Madrid and AC Milan.
The 22-year-old sounded out his uncle for advice prior to joining Caley Jags and is determined to make a name for himself in Scotland.
Seedorf said: “He told me football is a sport I love, so I should do what I want to do. If it feels good, I should go for it, don’t let anything hold me back.
“He told me if I wanted to go to another country at an early age, just do it. What have I got to lose? I’m here to take my chance.
“I’m Collin Seedorf, I’m my own version of Seedorf. Everywhere I go, it’s always said that I’m the new Seedorf but I’m here for my own career.”
Birmingham-born Calder was released by Aston Villa this summer, having been with his home-town club since he was eight.
The 21-year-old, who spent four months on loan with Dundee in 2015, is determined to bounce back from the setback. He said: “It’s been difficult as I’d been there so long. I’ve seen people go, I’ve seen managers go and I’ve seen a lot of things happening at the club.
“I was a bit disappointed to be released but this is a fresh chance and a new challenge and I’m ready to go.”
