Striker Steven Hislop has signed for Inverness Caledonian Thistle after being ditched by neighbours Ross County for lacking commitment to the club.

County boss Alex Smith made a special statement on the club's official website to explain the former East Stirlingshire forward's departure.

"Steven Hislop's contract was due to expire in a few month's time and he came to me this week and indicated that he would not be looking to renew it," he said.

"In discussing the situation with Steven, it was clear that he had something else in mind, was not committed to the club and wanted to leave.

Alex Bone has gone to Peterhead

"In light of the circumstances surrounding the player and our discussions, we agreed to release him immediately from his contract.

"At Ross County, we only want players who are committed to the jersey and Steven's actions clearly indicated to me this was not the case."

Hislop was registered as a new signing hours later by First Division rivals Caley Thistle.

The Inverness club lie second in the race for the league title and are also expecting to lose top scorer Dennis Wyness at the end of the season.

County themselves moved to sign 23-year-old defender Jordan Tait from Arbroath and Mark Gardiner from Carlisle United.

Striker Alex Bone and defender Mark Perry, meanwhile, left Dingwall for Third Division Peterhead.

First Division promotion hopefuls St Johnstone made a trio of signings.

Striker Stuart Noble, 19, arrives from Fulham until the end of the season, 25-year-old midfielder Mark Robertson is on loan from Dundee, while fellow Australian and goalkeeper Simon Miotto arrives from Raith Rovers.

St Mirren were also heavily involved in the transfer market, signing former Airdrieonians striker Mark Roberts and midfielder Paul McHale from Rangers.

Two former Saints defenders, Andy Dow and Gary Bowman, have joined Arbroath along with Eddie Forrest from Berwick Rangers.

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Final-day signings in the Scottish Football League:

First Division

St Johnstone: Stuart Noble, striker (Fulham), Mark Robertson, midfield (Dundee) loan, Simon Miotto, goalkeeper (Raith Rovers)
St Mirren: Mark Roberts, striker (Shelbourne), Paul McHale, midfield (Rangers) Out: Junior Mendes, forward (Mansfield Town), Andy Dow, wing-back (Arbroath), Mark Yardley, striker (Albion Rovers), Gary Bowman (Arbroath).
Arbroath: Eddie Forrest, defender (Berwick Rangers), Gary Bowman, defender (St Mirren) Paul Baker (Arbroath Victoria) Out: Jordan Tait, defender (Ross County)
Ross County: Jordan Tait, defender (Arbroath), Mark Gardiner (Carlisle United). Out: Steve Hislop (Inverness Caledonian Thistle)
Inverness Caledonian Thistle: Steve Hislop (Ross County). Out: Chris Miller (East Fife)
Clyde: Out: Leigh Hinds (Aberdeen), David Dunn (Airdrie United)
Queen of the South: Out: Barry Donald, midfielder (Dumbarton)

Second Division

Airdrie United: David Dunn, midfield (Clyde)
Brechin City: Out: Mark Cairns, goalkeeper (Queen's Park)
Dumbarton: Emeka Obidile, striker, Barry Donald, midfielder (Queen of the South) Ian Russell (Motherwell), Scott Morrison, goalkeeper (Kilsyth Rangers), Daniel McKelvie (Johnstone Burgh). Out: Joe Robertson, forward (Berwick Rangers), Derek Scrimgour, goalkeeper (Queen's Park)
Berwick Rangers: Joe Robertson, forward (Dumbarton). Out: Eddie Forrest (Arbroath)
Forfar Athletic: Stewart Greacen, defender (Livingston)

Third Division

East Fife: Chris Miller (Inverness Caledonian Thistle), Brian Kerr (Lochgelly Albert)
Peterhead: Alex Bone, striker (Ross County), Mark Perry, defender (Ross County) Morton: John Adam, midfielder (Rangers)
Queen's Park: Mark Cairns, goalkeeper (Brechin City), David McCallum, wing-back (Partick Thistle), Derek Scrimgour, goalkeeper (Dumbarton). Out: Brendan Crozier, midfield, Karl Lejman, midfield, Gordon Lappin, midfield, Alistair MacNiven, defender, Stewart Thomson, goalkeeper, Stewart Jack, midfield.
Stirling Albion: Anton Nugent, goalkeeper (Doncaster Rovers)
Albion Rovers: Mark Yardley, striker (St Mirren), Chris Mackie (Cumbernauld United), Charlie Connolly (Cumbernauld United)
East Stirlingshire: Stuart Kelly (Shettleston Juniors)
Montrose: Alan Budd (Kirkcaldy YMCA)