Dean Shiels is under contract at Easter Road until 2009

Caley Thistle director of football Graeme Bennett indicated that manager Charlie Christie was keen on the 22-year-old attacking player.

But Jim McArthur told the P&J: "Dean has a contract with Hibs and no one from the club has said a word to me about him becoming available.

"If he didn't have a future at Hibs, I would have expected him to call me."

Caley Thistle inquired about Shiels in August and had hoped to make another approach for the Northern Ireland international.

"Dean wanted to stay and fight for his Hibs place, but things appear to have changed," said Bennett on Tuesday.

"Charlie Christie fancied him and he fits the bill in terms of what we're looking for from a striker."

Shiels, who has only recently returned from a thigh injury, has netted nine goals this season, despite not being a regular starter.

"I understand people might like him because he has not been in the team and clubs think they have a chance of nipping in and getting him," added McArthur.

"But (Hibs boss) John Collins has not been in touch with me about wanting to move him on.

"I know John very well and I think he would have said something if Dean was not in his plans."

Meanwhile, Alan Morgan will figure in Ross County's crunch game with Gretna not knowing if he has a future with Caley Thistle.

The former Blackburn midfielder has made only one Scottish Premier League start this season and went on emergency loan to Dingwall last month.

"We'll assess Alan's position after Saturday when he returns from his loan," said Bennett.