Caley Thistle in talks with Aberdeen to extend Alfie Stewart loan deal

Caley Thistle are locked in talks with Aberdeen to try to extend midfielder Alfie Stewart’s loan deal until the end of this season.

The 19-year-old has started 15 of his 23 appearances for the League One leaders this term and his current loan agreement ends after Saturday’s home league clash with Peterhead.

Stewart – who was also on loan at Inverness last season – joined his Dons team-mate Alfie Bavidge in returning to the Highlanders in the summer, but only on a six-month deal (unlike season-long loanee Bavidge).

Deal to be done within next five days

Caley Jags manager Scott Kellacher confirmed he wants Stewart to follow Livingston loanee winger Liam Sole in sticking around for Caley Thistle’s title push.

He said: “We’re still in ongoing conversations and we’re trying our best to have as much dialogue with Aberdeen to try and keep him here.

“Alfie has been excellent. He started (this season) where he was playing a lot of games for us and the Aberdeen (B team).

“We’re working away behind the scenes on it to try to make sure we get that deal done.

“Hopefully we can find out about it over the next four or five days.

“There’s no question we want to keep Alfie here. We see him as a big part of our squad and our team.

“We will do all we can to make sure we keep him.”

Inverness lead down to two points

Stewart scored an early goal before Inverness crashed to a 2-1 defeat at an improved Montrose last Saturday.

Away defeats at Stenhousemuir and Montrose mean ICT are now just two points in front of Stenny and Queen of the South at the top, albeit with a game in hand – at East Fife.

The two year-ending losses for ICT came hot on the heels of a club record 9-0 rout of Dumbarton in the Challenge Cup and an 11-match unbeaten run.

Inverness kicked off this season with a five-point deficit due to being in administration last term and remain the strongest team in the division.

However, the recent dropped points have opened the door for the chasing pack, which includes Alloa Athletic, who sit just four points behind.

This Saturday, Inverness are home to a fifth-placed Peterhead side looking to respond to their 4-0 weekend thumping by Cove Rangers.

‘Not used to’ losing two on the spin

Kellacher felt the performance at Montrose meant it was an opportunity missed to post a further victory, but said his players are ready to ensure they get back on track against the Blue Toon.

He said: “I’d be more concerned if we didn’t play well or create chances.

“The frustrating part was we conceded goals from set-plays.

“We had a really good chat about it – we maybe need to stay on our feet a bit more, rather than dive in.

“The boys are eager, and they want to win the ball back, so I understand it, but it was a sore one to take because we played well enough at Montrose to win the game.

“There was no question that we created enough chances in the first half to have the game finished, to be honest.

“We need to learn quickly from it. We’ve now lost two on the bounce and we’re not used to that.

“Like every good team, there will be spells when things don’t go your way and we will be doing our best to put it right this Saturday. ”

Davidson’s deal after one year out

ICT defender Jake Davidson, meanwhile, has extended his contract until the end of this season, with his return from a long-term knee injury getting closer.

The 25-year-old former Queen’s Park full-back has been out since November 2024 and agreed a new contract in the summer until January, and his efforts to get back to action have been further rewarded.

Davidson was back on the park on Friday, playing 45 minutes in the Inverness under-19s’ win against Dundee.

“It’s been a long road for me, but I was glad to make my return last Friday and play my first game of football in over a year,” Davidson said.

“I’d like to thank all the staff at the club for their support during my recovery, as well as the boys, who have been fantastic with me.

“I can’t wait to be back involved, and I’m currently building up my fitness in training to return to the squad.”

*** Caley Thistle’s League One match away to East Fife, postponed on December 6 due to a scheduled Scottish Cup tie against Tranent, has been rescheduled for Tuesday, January 20, at Bayview Stadium, with a 7.45pm start.

[Source: Press and Journal]