Hibs target Tade plumps for Inverness

Colin CALDERWOOD'S search for a new striker continues today after Gregory Tade, reportedly a target for Hibs, chose to sign for SPL rivals Inverness.

Tade, 24, a cult hero for Raith Rovers in the Fife club's promotion charge last season, elected on a move to the Highland side despite interest from Easter Road, as well as from St Johnstone, Dunfermline and Aberdeen.

The Frenchman's decision leaves Calderwood with only Akpo Sodje as a recognised hitman for next season, with a decision yet to be made over former Bolton Wanderers forward Ricardo Vaz Te.

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The future of last term's top scorer Derek Riordan is still in the balance as the striker mulls over a move to the United States with Houston Dynamo.

Despite bringing in a raft of new signings during the January transfer window, Calderwood has since cleared the decks by releasing around half of his first-team squad.

While he may be light on attacking options, the Hibs manager thinks his midfield will be bolstered next season by Victor Palsson's omission from Iceland's under-21 European Championship squad.

Palsson was widely expected to be part of his country's bid to win the tournament in neighbouring Denmark this month, but while the player was left disappointed after missing out, Calderwood thinks the powerful former Liverpool man will benefit from a break.

"It's a huge disappointment for Victor not to be there," said the Hibs boss.

"It's almost like a Scottish player being left out of a tournament in England. But for Hibs it's not a bad thing because I feel Victor really needed a break this summer and a rest will help him next season."