Caley Thistle boss provides transfer update on Aberdeen striker Alfie Bavidge

Inverness head coach Scott Kellacher says there’s “no question” he wants Aberdeen striker Alfie Bavidge to sign for the Highlanders this summer.

The 19-year-old, who is on loan from the Dons, recently confirmed he’s been told his Aberdeen contract, which expires in June, won’t be renewed.

Whether Stephen Robinson’s appointment as the new Aberdeen manager changes that position remains to be seen.

Bavidge has remained solely focused throughout his two loan spells with the Caley Jags on doing the business for the League One leaders and has now scored 20 goals this season.

He was named League One’s player of the month for February and his eye-catching form will have attracted interested parties.

‘Alfie feels at home here’ – Kellacher

While Kellacher said talks have not begun, he confirmed he wants the player on board next season, where the club hope to be competing in the Championship after a two-year absence.

When asked whether any discussions are under way with the Dons academy graduate, he said:  “I don’t think you can start having those conversations yet.

“Our full focus is on what we’re trying to achieve this year. Hopefully all of that will fall into place, and if we can keep Alfie it would be great.

“I think this club really suits him, and he feels at home here. He has played some of his best football here, so there’s no question we would love to keep him.

“He’s a big asset going forward, and I think he has done really well for the football club, and we have done really well for Alfie.”

Bavidge’s confidence has grown

Bavidge scored six goals in just 10 loan appearances for Inverness last season before suffering an injury.

This term, he has scored 10 League One goals and 10 more in cup competitions for a club looking to win League One and the Challenge Cup.

He has made 21 starts and come off the bench 17 times.

After previously being on loan at Kelty Hearts and Ayr United, there’s no doubt that he’s playing the best football of his career at the club where his dad Martin starred from 1998-2002 under Steve Paterson. 

Kellacher added: “Alfie has been great. It took him a wee bit of time to get him going again when he came back, and get him up to where we know his levels can be, but he has done that and now he’s on 20 goals for the year.

“You can see his confidence has grown as he has gone on as well, so good on him.

“All the young boys are there pushing each other on, and the older boys are great with all of them too. There’s a great rapport, and it’s a good mix.

“We forget that there are a lot of young boys in the dressing room, and the older boys have taken them along brilliantly.

“One thing that we’ve tried to speak to the young boys about is their consistency levels, and I think a lot of them have adapted their game.”

Inverness will be looking to at least maintain their two-point lead at the summit of League One when they take on eighth-placed Cove Rangers on Saturday before hosting Peterhead, who are fifth, on Tuesday.

[Source: Press and Journal]