Caley Thistle midfielder Aaron Doran is close to a return after a year out injured.
The 25-year-old has not featured since last July’s Europa League qualifier against Astra because of a knee injury, but Inverness manager Richie Foran expects the Irishman to be pressing for a first-team place soon.
The former Blackburn player was not involved on Saturday as Inverness won 8-1 at Buckie and Foran said: “Aaron wanted to be involved this weekend but I had to put the reins on him.
“He is looking really good and is like a new signing.
“A few people were probably questioning whether he would ever get back to the quality and sharpness he had.
“He will show that he still has that – if not more. We are going to improve him and make him a better player. I think Aaron will be a big player once we get him as fit as we can.”
A deal to sign former Wigan Athletic, Cardiff City and Aberdeen defender Kevin McNaughton is expected to be concluded today but he is likely to be joined by another new face at Inverness this week, ahead of the season kicking off against Cowdenbeath in the Betfred Cup on Saturday.
Foran added: “We are hoping to have another one in by Tuesday who will excite the supporters and the players. We are looking forward to that one getting over the line.
“We have a really strong squad with excellent competition for places. It all bodes well for a successful season.”
Caley Thistle displayed plenty of attacking prowess as they thumped Buckie 8-1 on Saturday in a testimonial match for long-serving Thistle midfielder Andy Low, who has made more than 200 appearances during his 10 years with the Victoria Park side.
Jake Mulraney showed his promise with his pace and trickery causing plenty of problems for the Buckie defence. It took the 20-year-old Irishman, released by Queens Park Rangers at the end of last season, only two minutes to make his mark with a sublime finish that found the top corner of the net.
Iain Vigurs doubled the lead when he headed home a Greg Tansey corner after 14 minutes before Scott Boden added a third with a cool finish two minutes later.
Chris Angus pulled a goal back for the hosts with a powerful low drive from 20 yards before Tansey curled an exquisite free kick into the top corner after 33 minutes.
Boden got his second of the match when he turned home a Mulraney cross to give Caley Thistle a comfortable 5-1 half-time advantage.
The scoring continued after the break with Vigurs netting a free kick before Carl Tremarco profited from a mix-up in the Buckie defence after 64 minutes to make it seven.
Substitute Alex Fisher completed the scoring two minutes from time as Caley Jags ran out resounding winners.
