Ross County are closing in on a return for Gary Mackay-Steven.
The Staggies are in the advanced stages of securing a loan deal for the Celtic midfielder.
Mackay-Steven is out of favour at Parkhead under new Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers, with his last appearance coming in April’s Scottish Cup semi-final defeat by Rangers.
The 25-year-old’s situation has alerted Staggies manager Jim McIntyre, who is keen to add another wide midfield player to his squad.
The Thurso-born player began his career with the Staggies, before winning a move to English Premier League side Liverpool as a 17-year-old in 2007.
After failing to make the breakthrough during an injury-hit spell at Anfield, Mackay-Steven had a short stint with Airdrie before joining Dundee United in 2011.
It was during his three-and-a-half years at Tannadice he came to prominence, netting 27 goals in 131 appearances to earn a £250,000 move to Celtic last January.
The addition of Mackay-Steven would be a major coup for County, who begin their Premiership campaign at home to Dundee tomorrow.
The Staggies broke into the top six for just the second time last season but their task is expected to be tougher this time around following the promotion of Rangers to the top-flight.
County manager Jim McIntyre is urging his players to embrace the added competition, as they look to redeem themselves following a disastrous defence of the League Cup which ended with them being knocked out at the group stage.
McIntyre said: “The anticipation of a new season starting is always exciting. We can tell players know a new campaign is about to start – this week in training they’ve been very bright.
“With Rangers, their signings, Brendan Rodgers coming in at Celtic and some of their high-profile signings as well, there’s no doubt there’s a bigger spotlight on the SPFL now. In turn, that helps other clubs as well by raising the profile.
“It makes it harder having more Old Firm games but those are the games we want to be involved in. We had some great games against Celtic last year and acquitted ourselves very well. Results might not have gone our way but testing ourselves against the best in the league stands us in good stead.
“As a former player, those are the games I used to look forward to playing in, going to Ibrox and Parkhead. But when we have them at home as well – having our own place full is a special atmosphere. It’s not often that happens at Dingwall and it’s great when it does.”
