Striker worries for Thistle

New signings Marius Niculae and Dean McDonald are both likely to miss Inverness Caledonian Thistle's opening game of the season.

Charlie Christie's men start the new SPL campaign at home to Rangers on 4th August, but could be without the two strikers.

Romanian forward Niculae is still awaiting a work permit and Christie fears it will not arrive in time for the player to feature against Rangers.

"It's doubtful whether the matter will be resolved by August 4," said Christie in the Daily Record.

Meanwhile, McDonald, who has joined Inverness from Gillingham, is likely to be absent due to an ankle injury suffered in Wednesday's friendly with Peterhead.

Though he has not broken his ankle, the severity of McDonald's injury has yet to be diagnosed and he seems certain to miss the match with Rangers.

Christie added: "I think he'll miss the start, but it looks more optimistic than it initially did.

"Until the swelling subsides we won't know the damage."