Hughes wanted to bring Hibernian midfielder Allan to Ross County before Inverness Caledonian Thistle loan move
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John Hughes has revealed that Ross County showed keen interest in signing Scott Allan before he sealed a loan move to Caley Thistle.
The Ross County manager spoke of his admiration for the Hibs midfielder as he prepared for tonight’s Highland derby.
SPFL loan rules prevent movement within the Premiership once the January transfer window closes, but Hughes isn’t ruling out a future move for the former Celtic man.
Allan suffered the shock of diagnosis with a serious heart condition last year and only returned to training in January after a five-month absence. He has joined Neil McCann’s side in a quest to get more match action.
“Believe it or not, we were sniffing about Scott Allan ourselves, but couldn’t do anything because the window had closed,” Hughes said.
“It’s one we’ll keep our eye on.
“He is certainly a great capture by Inverness.
“I’m glad he’s come up north to get football time. I don’t know him personally, but I know people who do and they say he’s a smashing boy.
“You just wish him all the best. He got on the pitch last week and just looks like he’s enjoying his football again.
“He’s a player I’ve always admired, kept my eye on and I’ll maybe see him more over the rest of the season. It might be one we look at again, if we can keep our football in the Premiership – you never know.”
Should he play, Hughes will look to nullify Allan’s creative threat in his likely role behind the main striker.
The 29-year-old made his Caley Thistle debut last weekend at home to Arbroath and impressed with his touches and movement after coming off the bench.
“He’s the kind of footballer I like, one who looks after the ball, sees a pass,” Hughes reasoned.
“But he’ll be playing against us on Friday night –I expect him to start – and we’re going to have to be very aware of his talent and make sure we try and nullify that.”
Hughes, who has defender Carl Tremarco suspended, is relishing the test and admits the pressure is on his players given their Premiership status, adding: “It’s the game we need to stretch us to the max.”
