Swap deal could see Black leave Inverness early

Published on Wednesday 7 January 2009 22:40

CRAIG Brewster admits he will be powerless to prevent Ian Black leaving for Hearts this month if a deal is struck.

But the Caley Thistle manager revealed he is ready to consider a player swap deal with the Tynecastle club to soften the blow. Black has signed a pre-contract agreement to join Hearts in the summer, but manager Csaba Laszlo is understood to want the 23-year-old in place sooner. One possible avenue would be a barter involving Brewster's long-time target Calum Elliot, although the Inverness manager would prefer to bring in more experienced additions.

The Highlanders' slump to bottom place in the SPL means they can, as things stand, ill-afford to lose the midfielder from an increasingly threadbare squad.

But with Brewster set to spend in the current transfer window, Black could be allowed to leave if a replacement is found and Hearts meet Caley Thistle's valuation. Asked if he could afford to lose Black amid the current relegation fight, Brewster admitted: "I can't speak about that.

"All I can say is if Ian Black gives 100 per cent until he does leave, that's all I can ask. He's here, the club pays his wages, so he's got to do what Ian Black does best and I have every confidence he will.

"We've got to look at every option regarding Ian but it's a decision for the club, not me. It may be that we look to exchange a player or see what money Hearts have got to offer. Otherwise, I've got Ian until his contract finishes in the summer."

Brewster is now preparing for a respite from the SPL survival fight, with First Division Partick Thistle presenting a potential Scottish Cup banana skin this weekend. After six straight defeats, he believes his players can take a step towards recovery by dispatching the Glasgow side.

He said: "It's an important game in several ways. We want to progress in the cup, but I also believe if we can get the win, it can help lift the mood and restore confidence.