MORTON boss Dougie Imrie is emerging as a potential target for the vacant Inverness Caley Thistle manager’s post, the Tele can reveal.

The Caledonian Stadium side relieved 54-year-old Billy Dodds from his duties late on Sunday evening after overseeing a run of just one win in their opening nine games this season.

Despite leading the Caley Jags to the Scottish Cup final last season, pressure had mounted on Dodds after failing to make the Premiership play-offs last year, finishing in sixth place, the club’s lowest position in over 20 years.

The Tele understands that sections of the Caley Jags top brass are keen on current Cappielow chief Imrie as their ideal replacement.

One bookmaker quoted him as a 12/1 outsider before cutting the price to 4/1 yesterday.

But Imrie is under contract at Cappielow, and Caley also face a pay-off to Dodds following his exit, as he agreed a contract extension with them in the summer.

Ton boss Imrie spent two years in the Highlands as a Caley player between 2008-10, making nearly 75 appearances for them in the Premiership.

He currently has under 12 months to go on his current deal on Sinclair Street, which turns into a one-year rolling contract in the summer.

Imrie joins the likes of Callum Davidson, Scott Brown, Darren O’Dea, John Robertson and Neil McCann on the list of candidates to take over the Caley hotseat.

His work in Inverclyde over the last 18 months hasn’t gone unnoticed with other clubs since taking over from Gus MacPherson in December 2021.

It is understood that Imrie is highly thought of by key figures at Caley, after initially keeping Morton in the Championship before coming close to achieving a top four finish on a limited budget last term.

Imrie has had a fairly successful record against his former employers since his arrival on Sinclair Street, winning three out of the six games Morton have played against them, including a 4-0 drubbing back last autumn.

The Tele understands that no formal approach has been made to Cappielow chiefs, with Caley in the initial stages of their search.

Imrie meanwhile is busy preparing his Ton squad for a weekend trip to Dunfermline after last Saturday's 1-1 draw against Dundee United.