Caley Thistle bolstered their attacking options yesterday with the signing of Congolese international forward Andrea Mbuyi-Mutombo on a one-year contract.
Mbuyi-Mutombo had been on trial with Inverness, playing in Caley Jags’ 1-0 friendly win against Nairn County this month.
The 25-year-old was this week offered a deal by the Highlanders and has signed in time for tomorrow’s Premiership opener against Motherwell at Caledonian Stadium.
The Belgian-born attacker began his career as a youth player with Anderlecht, moving on to FC Brussels before winning a move to then English Premier Division side Portsmouth in 2008.
After just a year at Fratton Park, during which he failed to make a first-team appearance, spells with Belgian sides Standard Liege and Cercle Brugge followed prior to joining Croat side HNK Rijeka in 2012.
Mbuyi-Mutombo moved on again two years later, remaining in Croatia with NK Istra 1961, and last season played for French third-tier outfit EFC Frejus Saint-Raphael.
Having already sampled British football, Mbuyi-Mutombo is confident he can thrive in manager John Hughes’ Caley Jags side.
Mbuyi-Mutombo said: “I love the style of play here. The philosophy of the passing game is what I really like and it gave me trust to come here.
“I won’t lie, I was very surprised to find a philosophy like this in Scotland.
“But before I came, people told me that with this manager Inverness have a special mentality of a passing game.
“Even then, I was surprised to find it was very different from my idea of UK football, kick and rush.
“It’s a very nice philosophy and I will enjoy it.
“My best position is behind the forward, as a player making things happen and producing something a little bit different.
“I like to be an important player in the team, making an impact on the field, but I am one who also works hard to help defend as well.”
Mbuyi-Mutombo hopes to play his part in helping the Scottish Cup winners build on their success of last season, which also saw them finish third in the Premiership.
Mbuyi-Mutombo added: “I can’t wait to get back to work and get my fitness back to the top level.
“I can’t judge if I am 70 or 80% ready but I know I have to train hard and work hard to get in the team.”