Forward Jordan Roberts has agreed terms with Caley Thistle and should complete his move to the Highlanders later today.
The former Aldershot Town player has scored in both his trialist outings for Caley Jags so far, netting in Saturday’s 3-0 win at Clachnacuddin before repeating the feat in Wednesday night’s victory by the same scoreline against Brora Rangers.
Inverness expect to receive SFA clearance for the 21-year-old’s move later today, paving the way for Roberts to become John Hughes’ second summer signing following former Cowdenbeath midfielder Nat Wedderburn.
Roberts has been joined on trial by former Havant and Waterlooville attacker J. J. Hooper, who has also scored in both friendly matches and is keen to join Roberts in securing a deal with Caley Jags.
The 21-year-old scored 20 goals in 29 appearances for the Conference South outfit last season and is likely to feature again in Inverness’ 5.30pm friendly against Deveronvale at Princess Royal Park this evening, as preparations continue ahead of Caley Jags’ Europa League debut at home to FC Astra on July 16.
Hooper is pleased with the way he has settled and said: “You’d have to ask the manager, but hopefully it’s all positive at the moment. I’m getting to know the players in the team now and that’s helping my game.
“I’m here to get goals and hopefully I can get some more. I had an all right season last year but I’m hoping for better this year.
“There are parts of my game I could improve, but I feel I’ve made a good first impression.”
Hooper came through the youth ranks at English Premier League side Newcastle United before joining Northampton Town in 2013 following his release by the Magpies.
After just one season with Northampton, much of which he spent on loan with non-league sides Alfreton Town and Farnborough, Hooper joined Havant and Waterlooville last summer, with his form for the Hawks enough to catch the eye.
Hooper does not feel a season in semi-professional football will hinder his efforts to win a deal with Caley Jags, and said: “I came from part-time football last year but I wouldn’t say I’m too far off the pace.
“Being at Newcastle and Northampton, where I was full-time, helped me.”
Hooper reckons he would be well suited to Caley Jags’ style of play and said: “When I was at Havant, they passed the ball a lot too, which suited me. They play a similar way here.
“I’d say I’m physically equipped for Scottish football, if needed. The way we play, I don’t think I’d have to use that side of my game too often.”