"Terry Butcher is busy on Inverness club duty while we are in Japan, so George will need some support for that game, " added Smith.

BBC: Scots offer McAllister coach post

Having learned of Robb's condition, Leonard attempted to contact the determined father-of-two through Robb's ex-trainer, Laurie Redfern, at Inverness Boxing Club.

BBC: Fighting with diabetes

Hegarty, who also had brief spells in charge at Aberdeen and Dundee United, will be introduced to his new position in next month's friendly in Japan, a match Butcher will not attend as he has club commitments with Inverness.

BBC: Hegarty given Scotland coach role

The chairman of Ross County FC has said his club and Highland rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle have shaken the Scottish football scene.

BBC: Ross County fans

The Inverness boss knows fans are eager to know whether the club's top scorer is to remain in the Highlands.

BBC: Inverness manager Butcher wants Rooney future settled

Highland Council officers said early kick-offs at County's local rivals Inverness Caledonian Thistle were less of a concern because that club has an out-of-town stadium.

BBC: Concern about early match day drinking in Dingwall

He moved to Livingston as general manager after undistinguished spells at Inverness Thistle and Montrose but then returned to management to lead the West Lothian club to the Scottish Premier League and Uefa Cup qualification.

BBC: SPORT | Football | Scottish Premier | Goodbye to the dugout

Four clubs - Dundee United, Hearts, Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Kilmarnock - remain to be convinced of the case for a 10-club top league.

BBC: Rangers manager Walter Smith dismisses play-off idea