Friday signings: Aberdeen land Hughes, ICT swoop

Aberdeen have signed midfielder Stephen Hughes on a deal that will keep the 29-year-old at Pittodrie until the summer of 2014 following his recent departure from SPL rivals Motherwell.

Hughes began his career with Rangers and has also played for Leicester, Norwich and MK Dons. He has one Scotland cap to his name, having appeared as a substitute against Japan in 2009.

He becomes Craig Brown's third signing of the January transfer window following the arrivals of Mark Reynolds, on loan from Sheffield Wednesday, and Russell Anderson from Derby.

Inverness CT have brought in 28-year-old winger Claude Gnakpa on loan from League One Walsall until the end of the season.

The Frenchman, who can also play at the back, has played in Spain and also had spells in England with Peterborough and Luton Town before switching to Walsall in the summer.

Caley Thistle boss Terry Butcher said: "I have been tracking Claude for a good number of years, but never managed to get him so we're very pleased that he has flown north and put pen to paper. He's big, strong and pacy and can score goals, so he will be a very exciting asset."