IAIN VIGURS could secure a return to Inverness, if John Hughes can draw extra funds from his board.
The ex-Motherwell and Ross County midfielder is training with his former club and has impressed the Caley Thistle manager with his fitness and sharpness.
Released from Fir Park at the end of last season, Vigurs played two matches for Highland League Inverurie but is eager to remain in full-time football.
Hughes said recently his first-team squad budget was "done", but, amid heavy injury troubles, hinted he would approach the chairman for emergency funds.
The Inverness manager said: "Iain has been training with us. I think he bumped into our goalkeeper, Ryan Esson, in the gym last week and we said to him, if he was just doing gym work then come in and train with us.
"He's acquitted himself exceptionally well - his fitness levels are fantastic. I know he had a long time out with his back injury, but his fitness levels are right up there, which is very surprising.
"We're just giving him training facilities at this moment in time and he's done okay. I would like to bring in another 20 players if I was allowed to. But what I think and what actually happens is two different things.
"If Russell Latapy or Brian Rice were 25 and I saw that kind of quality on my training pitch, I'd love to bring that in. Reality tells you we are right at our maximum. We need to get the boys back that are injured.
"I will certainly ask the question [of the chairman], though, if I feel Iain Vigurs could help us along."
Vigurs - a former Aberdeen and Celtic youth trainee - made his breakthrough at Elgin City, earning first team action by the age of 15.
Caley Thistle snapped him up in 2006, but during a three-year spell at the club first team opportunities became limited under managers Craig Brewster and Terry Butcher.
A move to neighbours Ross County allowed him to make his mark as a first team regular, helping County win the old First Division and reach the 2010 Scottish Cup final.
At Motherwell, his career began brightly before injury troubles set in. Hughes added: "I've been watching him closely and he's certainly a talented footballer. He keeps the ball well. He's still here with us this week."
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