Ex-Inter winger interests ICT boss Butcher

TERRY Butcher will aim to bolster his Caley Jags squad this week when he opens talks with a winger who played for Inter Milan.

Ben Greenhalgh (20) has a colourful background and could arrive at Inverness CT after cutting his teeth and impressing at English non-league clubs Maidstone United, Ebbsfleet Town and Welling United.

However, his CV also boasts time at Italian giants Inter Milan, an 18-month move which came as a result of a prize from a reality TV show.

His off-the-field work also includes time working as a body double for Portuguese and Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

However, ICT boss Butcher is interested in his talent on the pitch and hopes to see off rivals south of the border to clinch him for the Euro-chasing SPL club.

Butcher will look to the success of defender Gary Warren, who made the switch north last summer from Newport County, as a fine reason to pursue Greenhalgh.

Warren has been a stand-out at the back for the Highlanders, so much so he signed a new two-year deal earlier this year.

The Caley Thistle boss was boosted on Friday when former Tranmere Rovers full-back David Raven agreed a fresh two-year contract to strengthen his back-line options.

Raven (28), who has played 39 times for ICT this season, was former Liverpool reserve skipper and he’s been a key player for the Caley Jags as they look to win a place in the Europa League next term by finishing at least third, the position they currently hold in the SPL.

Butcher, who now has 14 players signed up for next season, is hoping to agree terms with midfielder Owain Tudur Jones and winger Aaron Doran in the coming weeks.

Attacking midfielder and Scotland cap Andrew Shinnie looks almost certain to move on to England, with Birmingham City favourites to land him, while keeper Antonio Reguro is Kilmarnock-bound next month.

Inverness CT return to SPL action this Sunday when they go to champions-elect Celtic.

The Hoops, who reached the William Hill Scottish Cup final on Sunday thanks to a thrilling 4-3 extra-time win against Dundee United, need one point only to retain the SPL crown.

If Motherwell fail to beat Dundee United at Tannadice on Friday, Celtic will win the title ahead of ICT’s trip to Glasgow.