Caley Thistle manager John Robertson believes attacker Nikolay Todorov can revive his Bulgarian international prospects with the Highlanders.
Todorov yesterday completed his move to Caledonian Stadium on a two-year deal after leaving Falkirk at the end of last season.
The 6ft 3in forward began his senior career in England with Nottingham Forest, but worked with Robertson, who held commercial and coaching roles at Hearts, when he signed for the Tynecastle outfit in 2016.
Despite a frustrating recent period, which saw former Bulgarian under-21 cap Todorov start just once for the Bairns after joining in January, Robertson is excited by the potential his third summer capture possesses.
Robertson said: “He’s still a young lad – he’s got lots of potential in front of him.
“He’s got something that interests us in the DNA of the players we bring here, in that he’s got massive improvement in front of him.
“He can still really improve and really push on in his career.
“Now he knows what he’s doing, and the position he’s playing, he can really progress.
“He’s still highly thought of in the Bulgarian national aspect, so we know if we can get him going and get him hitting the ground running, he has an opportunity to pick back up on his Bulgarian international career.”
Todorov was deployed as a central defender during his time with the Jambos and during a loan spell with Livingston, but Robertson is in no doubt he belongs further up the pitch.
Robertson added: “The perception at Hearts was they thought he had the attributes of a centre half, which he does – there’s no doubt about that – but I see something completely different.
“I see a guy who can hold the ball up and link play. He can run in behind and he’s very good in the air – and he’s got goals in him.
“What Nikolay needs – and I’m hoping that’s part of the reason we persuaded him to come here and play for myself and Inverness – is to play that role.
“I genuinely believe he has goals in him and I’m hopeful he feels the same way.”
Todorov says Robertson’s clear plan to play him up front was a major factor in him joining Inverness, and he said: “It’s very important. It makes me happy because I have always been a striker.
“I have covered before at centre half because of suspensions and injuries, but I have always played as a striker. I love scoring goals.
“I think the football here suits me. I am quite aggressive and strong.
“I like to link up, and the way the manager wants the team to play here is attacking.
“I think I will suit it well. I will work hard and hopefully help the team.”
