[caption id="attachment_3019" align="alignleft" width="210" caption="Nick Ross (click to enlarge)"][/caption]

Nick Ross has signed up to play his part in Caley Jags' future

Terry Butcher has been handed an early Christmas prezzy -- in the shape of teenage midfielder Nick Ross putting pen to paper on a new two and a half year contract.

The 19 year old Inverness lad, who has seized his chance in style this season,  has signed a deal tying him to Caley Jags until the end of season 2012-13.

Butcher commented:"We'd made Nick the offer and were very hopeful he'd accept but it is reassuring to have the contract agreed and signed. He has come through the youth development ranks at this club and when given the opportunity the lad has made it impossible so far to leave him out of the first team.

"After the frustration of the Dundee United game being postponed, it is nice to have good news for a change. Nick is a good type, always ready to learn, and he has a very exciting future at this club."

Scotland under-21s manager Billy Stark also has Ross firmly in his plans for the 2011 campaign after his scoring debut against Northern Ireland last month.