Inverness Caledonian Thistle manager Terry Butcher admits he is looking into the English transfer market to find talent because he cannot afford Scottish youngsters.
The former England international feels his hand has been forced into finding affordable players from north of the border rather than from Scottish soil with a number of young Scots being shipped out for big prices in recent times.
"I'm conscious that we are looking predominantly at the English market but there is good quality available down there," said former Ipswich Town and Rangers hard man Butcher.
"They train well, work well and are educated well in the game. That's what you're looking at. To get Scottish players, you can pay a lot more money. Without naming individuals, we have been priced out of certain moves for Scottish lads.
"Certain players are not worth that kind of money. It's a difficult market.
"I don't think the fans quite understand why we are looking so much at the English market.
"I'd love to sign Scottish players. I'm really not concerned at all with a player's nationality, just whether he is good enough and within our budget."