Talks started but deal some way off yet for Tudur Jones

OWAIN Tudur Jones has opened discussions with Caley Thistle on a new contract, but conceded nothing is imminent with regards to a deal.

The Welsh international has been central to Inverness manager Terry Butcher’s starting line-up this season, making 32 appearances and striking up a good understanding with Ross Draper in the midfield.

With his present deal expiring at the end of the season, Tudur Jones has began talks with a view to potentially extending his stay, although these remain at a very early stage with the 28-year-old keen to concentrate on his football and make up for lost time at Inverness having sat out the majority of the previous campaign with a knee injury.

"I’m not to close at the moment," he said. "I think discussions have tentatively begun, but there’s nothing on the horizon just yet.

"However, there are still many weeks before the end of the season.

"For myself, the situation is exactly the same as it has been all season.

"With the injury trouble I had last season, all I’ve done this time around is focus on each game and make sure I’m fit and available, which I have been and I hope to carry that on through the final eight games.

"I certainly wouldn’t close the door to anything. I’m just enjoying my football and if I carry on that then I’m sure the contract situation will take care of itself."

Butcher remains confident of making an announcement this week regarding another of his first-team squad agreeing a new contract with the likes of David Raven, Danny Devine and Antonio Reguero all seeing their current deals come to an end once the present campaign finishes.

Andrew Shinnie also falls into that category, but the influential attacking midfielder is a wanted man elsewhere.

Birmingham City were reported to have signed the 23-year-old on a pre-contract, but the English Championship club refused to officially comment on what they consider to be speculation at this point.

Butcher himself was not aware of Shinnie, who has scored 13 goals for Caley Thistle this season, agreeing to join Birmingham next season, but did confirm he had held talks with the Midlands outfit, as well as speaking to "one or two other clubs".

Shinnie himself would not been drawn on it at the weekend and Butcher is still remaining hopeful he can be convinced to stay on in the Highland Capital by following his brother Graeme, Nick Ross, Josh Meekings, Gary Warren, Ross Draper and Billy McKay in signing new deals.