Caley Thistle boss John Robertson hailed Daniel MacKay as a special talent after both he and Aaron Doran signed new deals with the club.
MacKay became the club’s youngest scorer when he netted on his debut against Peterhead in October and has penned a three-year extension with the Championship club. Doran, who came back from a second serious knee injury to contribute to Inverness’ play-off push, has signed on for two years.
It fleshes out Robertson’s midfield for next season, with a three-year contract also out to Iain Vigurs.
The club also announced the players that would not be retained yesterday.
Striker John Baird, who spent the latter part of the season on loan at Championship rivals Morton, has joined Forfar Athletic as player-assistant manager, while the club will not be taking up the year’s option on Collin Seedorf’s contract. Former Development League players Stephen Foster, Liam Macdonald, Keir Smith, Alistair Stark and Mitch Foy have been let go but goalkeeper Daniel Hoban is expected to be retained.
Robertson said: “Daniel is a special talent and we are delighted to secure his signature on a three-year contract. He is an exciting prospect and will be pushing really hard for a first team start next season. He is one of a number of exciting young players coming through our youth system.
“Aaron has a two-year agreement and, given his great finish to the season and now being fully recovered from a terrible injury, we look forward to seeing him at his very best again.”
Caley Jags have already signed defender Shaun Rooney and should finalise a swap deal for Angus Beith to join from Hearts, with Jake Mulraney going in the opposite direction. Robertson is waiting on a response from Vigurs to the deal on the table for him.
Robertson said: “Iain wanted to get the play-offs out of the way and he’s got to sit down with his wife and look at what’s best for them. He’s 30 and we’ve given him a very good deal – we feel there’s enough incentives for him to stay. He may have offers from the Premiership and that will be attractive, as he wants to play at the highest level.
“A lot of clubs have released players already and some have a while to go before they release anyone. We’ll wait and see what’s available. We’re close with a couple we’re trying to get tied up and the plan first is to see who we can keep.”
Seedorf – nephew of former Netherlands international and Champions League winner Clarence – joined Inverness last summer after leaving Dutch side RKC Waalwijk. He was viewed as the long-term replacement for David Raven, who departed in January for Wrexham.
The remaining Caley Jags out of contract are Vigurs, Ryan Esson and Connor Bell.