Dundee midfielder Temuri Ketsbaia has turned down a coaching role at the club to sign with Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta

The 34-year-old Georgian international was a player under Ivano Bonetti last season and was offered a new deal to return as player-coach after his contract expired in the summer.

However, he is understood to have signed a two-year deal with UEFA Cup hopefuls Famagusta.

Ketsbaia, whose wife is a Greek Cypriot, had played for the club before coming to the UK and is revered there, having netted 36 goals in 76 games before joining AEK Athens.

Ketsbaia had not contacted Dundee to let them know of his decision before facing the cameras in Cyprus, but word soon filtered back to new boss Jim Duffy, who succeeded Bonetti last week.

Following Ketsbaia's swift departure from Dens Park, Duffy will now start the new season with a coaching post to fill.

He told the Dundee Evening Telegraph: "At this moment in time, I'm in no hurry to appoint anyone else.

"The pre-season training routine was mapped out before I arrived and the coaches here, Kenny Cameron, Ray Farningham and Stevie Campbell, are doing a power of work.

"Maybe things will change when the season gets closer and I need someone to go and check out other teams," he added.