Juanjo had a fine first season with Inverness

Christie stressed that the decision to allow the 28-year-old Spaniard to move to New Douglas Park was taken by previous manager Craig Brewster.

"We will certainly phone each other on occasion to keep up to date while he is at Hamilton," said Christie.

"And the door is not fully closed on him coming back here."

Juanjo had gone on trial with English League Two outfit Darlington before heading for First Division Hamilton.

He had not hit top form since coming back from his injury Caley Thistle manager Charlie Christie

Christie acknowledges that the former Hearts and Bradford City forward, out of contract in the summer, has struggled to recover from a persistent Achilles injury.

"It is a pity that Juanjo is not fully fit just now because if he was at his best then he would certainly have a large part to play," said the manager.

"He is the type of player who gives you something different.

"But he acknowledged he had not hit top form since coming back from his injury and that he needed to be playing regular first-team football.

"That is something I could not guarantee him, but I was really impressed that he came to talk to me about going to Hamilton because his move had been arranged before I was involved as manager."

Juanjo joined Caley Thistle in 2004 from Real Jean in his homeland.