Inverness CT: Aaron Doran signs new three-year contract

Republic of Ireland Under-21 winger Aaron Doran has committed his future to Inverness Caledonian Thistle by signing a new three-year contract.

The 22-year-old has been rewarded with the longest contract offered by the club in recent years after helping them finish fourth in Scotland's top-flight.

Manager Terry Butcher told the club website: "It's fair to say that he had other offers from the south.

"But I was always optimistic that he would stay."

Having missed much of the previous season through injury, Doran made 45 appearances this term, scoring three goals and finished second top in the Scottish Premier League chart for goal assists.

"Having Aaron fit and flying again made a really positive contribution to our season," said Butcher.

"Aaron gives us width, pace and trickery and I know the supporters enjoy his performances. His best is yet to come.

"That means we've 13 of the first team signed up, which is a much stronger position than the club has been in many years."

Doran, who joined Caley Thistle from Blackburn Rovers in 2011 after a successful loan spell having also been farmed out to MK Dons and Leyton Orient, was glad to extend his stay in Inverness.

"It's been on my mind these past few months, so it's a relief to put pen to paper," he said.

"Contract talks have dragged on a bit, but I'm delighted.

"The 2011-12 season was a nightmare for me because of the shoulder injury which restricted me to only a handful of appearances.

"There could hardly be a bigger contrast this past season, when I played every game.

"I managed to add a few more goals to my account, which is what I've been working on."

Goalkeeper Antonio Reguero has joined Scottish Premier League rivals Kilmarnock, while midfielder Andrew Shinnie has headed to England's Championship with Birmingham City.

However, Doran said: "It's been an exciting season and I think we can keep the momentum going because we've got most of the team re-signed already.

"We've lost Andrew Shinnie and Antonio Reguero, but keeping the core of the squad means we don't need to get to know each other at the start of next season.

"So hopefully we can get going right from the start. I'm really looking forward to next season as we've the right platform to do well again."

Chairman Kenny Cameron revealed that additions to Butcher's squad were also being lined up.

"Terry Butcher and scout Steve Marsella have been in England watching some players in whom we're interested and we hope to announce new signings in due course," he said.