Caley Thistle manager Richie Foran has made his second summer signing by snapping up Irish midfielder Jake Mulraney on a two-year deal.
The 20-year-old was a free agent after being released by Queens Park Rangers. Mulraney, capped by Ireland at under-17 and under-19 levels, spent time on loan at Dagenham and Redbridge and Stevenage last season.
Foran, who signed forward Scott Boden this month, said: “We are delighted to get Jake tied up on a pre-contract. He brings something different to the squad. He has plenty of pace and will prove a real handful for any defence.
“He had offers from elsewhere, so it’s especially pleasing that he chose to join us.”
Foran, meanwhile, has decided to retain Brian Rice as the club’s assistant manager. Rice joined the club under former manager John Hughes last July on a three-year deal.
There had been suggestions that Terry Butcher’s assistant Maurice Malpas could return to the club to help provide some guidance to rookie manager Foran.
But the Irishman has decided to keep Rice as his number two for the forthcoming campaign. Foran said: “He’s one of the best coaches I’ve worked with. He’s a workaholic. I’m delighted he’s staying on.”
The SPFL published the fixtures for the 2016-17 season, with Caley Thistle travelling to Partick Thistle on the opening day of the season on Saturday, August 6. It will be an early chance for defender Danny Devine to come up against his former side, having agreed a two-year deal with the Maryhill side on Thursday after rejecting a contract extension with Inverness.
Foran said: “Every game is tough and Alan Archibald has done a really good job for Thistle.
“They play attractive football.”
Ross County open their Premiership season against Dundee at Victoria Park on August 6.
Aberdeen are away to St Johnstone.
Brendan Rodgers begins his Celtic reign with a trip to Tynecastle to face Hearts, while top-flight football returns to Ibrox as Rangers host Hamilton. The first Old Firm derby of the season takes place at Parkhead on September 10.
Comment, Page 33Fixtures, Pages 60 to 63
