Inverness manager Richie Foran says the club's board "recommended" he bring in someone to help him fight relegation but says it was his decision to appoint Maurice Malpas.

The former ICT number two has returned to the club as they aim to escape relegation in the post-split fixtures.

With five games to go, Inverness are five points adrift of 11th place and have not won a game since the end of February.

Foran said Malpas' experience was the key reason for bringing him in and that the coach's key role would be to help shore up a leaky defence.

"The board recommended that I take someone in with me," he said.

"It was to be someone with experience and knowledge of the Scottish game so I picked Maurice.

"I had a good think about who was around, who was out there and who I trust and Maurice is the ideal candidate."

He added: "He's the perfect man to bring in with huge experience in the game, huge knowledge of the Scottish Premiership and of course and experienced defender in his day with over 50 caps.

"We've conceded too many goals and Maurice can help rectify that."

Foran said he was happy to have Malpas aiding his bid to avoid the drop and conceded he needs help in a crucial time for the club.

"It's great," he said. "I know Maurice, we've been friends for a long time.

"I trust him and that's the main thing. You need to be able to trust your staff and the people around you.

"Maurice is old school and you can rely on him. He's here to help, we needed a bit of help, and we're happy to have him here."

He added: "There's no settling in period for him at all. He knows exactly what we're about and how we need help on the defensive side of our game and he's doing that at the moment.

"It's always good to have another set of eyes and another voice on the training ground as well."

Inverness travel to Highland rivals Ross County on Friday night hoping to bounce back after defeat to Motherwell.

That loss at Fir Park included a controversial moment when the hosts were awarded a goal when the ball did not appear to cross the line.

Foran has called for better refereeing with so much at stake in the run-in.

"We need strong officials for the last five games," he said. "Really strong officials who can handle the occasion.

"Some of them can't handle the occasion and they need to make sure that they send the right ones up here.

"I think it's Craig Thompson on Friday night - he can handle it, he's a top referee. Let's hope there's no big mistakes from any of them in the next five games."