Paatelainen was out of contract in the summer

Inverness midfielder Markus Paatelainen is facing six months out of action with a knee ligament injury but has been offered a new contract.

The 25-year-old Finn's current deal is close to expiry.

Manager Craig Brewster said: "Unfortunately, his scan shows a cruciate injury, but he's a great professional.

"The club have offered him a six-month deal and I think he appreciates that the club have decided to stick by him."

Paatelainen was not involved in Saturday's 0-0 draw with St Mirren.

But Dennis Wyness bowed out against the club he will be joining in the summer and received a standing ovation from the home support.

Marius is in the Romanian squad and let's hope he makes it into the final 23 Inverness manager Craig Brewster

His strike partner, Marius Niculae, also could have been playing his last game for the club as the Romanian's wages are proving controversial and a burden.

"Both were superb," said Brewster. "I think the fans appreciate their efforts, especially Dennis' achievements over the years."

Niculae may be heading for Euro 2008 and Brewster said: "Marius is in the Romanian squad and let's hope he makes it into the final 23.

"When strikers don't score, they get a wee bit tentative. Dennis could have perhaps had two in the first half, one from the Niculae rebound.

"I think sometimes strikers get a bit tense when they do get that opportunity."

Brewster saw his side survive for the closing 36 minutes with 10 men after David Proctor was sent off for a professional foul on former Inverness striker Craig Dargo.

"We were excellent in the first half, created three really good opportunities and could have had the game wrapped up by half-time," said Brewster.

"When you lose David Proctor through the red card, you're always hoping that you don't concede and Michael Fraser came alive a few times to help save us. You've got to be happy with a point.

"Our season has gone very up and down and we've finished the season reasonably well."