Caley Thistle manager John Robertson believes he is three players short of finding the balance he wants in his squad for the new Championship season.
Robertson brought in Celtic defender Robbie Deas on a three-year deal earlier this week, to add to the capture of Elgin City forward Shane Sutherland who had signed a pre-contract in January.
Carl Tremarco, Shaun Rooney, Jordan White, Charlie Trafford and Tom Walsh have moved on, while Coll Donaldson and Jamie McCart departed for Premiership clubs in January.
Robertson says a new right back is high among his priorities, along with a midfield player and a forward.
Robertson said: “We are looking at a slight rebuild. I hope to have six really good defenders, of which four will play every week.
“We wanted three left footed defenders and that’s me got them now with Robbie, Kevin McHattie and young Cameron Harper. I want three right footed defenders and I have two in Lewis Toshney and Brad Mckay.
“I’m hoping to add a right back, which we are making good progress on. That will allow us a good range of defenders at good ages.
“We are hopeful that at some point in the next week or two we will have another midfield player.
“We are still looking at a forward. There have been hundreds of players who have been recommended, so we’ve got to sift through it.
“I have been sitting at home, going through hours and hours of footage because at this moment in time every agent is sending players in and their player happens to be the best in the world.
“It’s just going through it and finding the one that suits us and our budget.”
The coronavirus pandemic has presented a challenge to Inverness’ finances, however Robertson says his recruitment strategy has not changed from previous years.
Robertson added: “Covid has obviously had a massive effect on the club. That in itself will have a big effect on what we have got.
“We have got the likes of Robbie Deas in, and in the past we have found guys like David Carson, and we have resurrected some players’ careers that have stalled.
“Nothing changes really, I’m still looking for gems, and players that other people maybe oversee.”
The departure of English defender Tremarco to Highland rivals Ross County has left the captaincy vacant, with midfielder Aaron Doran holding the vice-captaincy at present.
Robertson says he has already decided on the new skipper, with an announcement due in the coming weeks.
He added: “We will be appointing a new captain. We know who the captain is going to be, and it will be announced in due process.”
