The former Dens Park became a club hero in the early 2000s

Former Dundee player Giorgi Nemsadze has died at the age of 54.

The midfielder spent three years at Dens Park, starting in 2000, towards the end of his playing career and captained the club. He was inducted into the club's Hall of Fame in 2010.

Nemsadze was part of the club during the swashbuckling era under Ivano Bonetti, during which Argentina legend Claudio Caniggia also starred for the Taysiders.

The cultured midfielder was also a legendary figure for his country, making 69 appearances for Georgia between 1992 and 2004 - in a career that began and ended at Dinamo Tbilisi.

He represented Dinamo from 1988 to 1991 and again from 1993 to 1995, with spells at Guria Lanchkhuti and Shevardeni Tbilisi in between.

His career abroad took him to Hamburg in Germany, Trabzonspor in Turkey, Swiss side Grasshoppers and Reggiana in Serie A. He also played for Lokomotivi Tbilisi before returning to Dinamo, where he finished his playing career.

In March 2011, Nemsadze was appointed sporting director of Dinamo Tbilisi - spending a year in the role.

In 2017, he also served as the head coach of the Georgia U17 national team, where he trained PSG superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and his generation. Most recently, Nemsadze served as the head coach of the Georgian U-18 side.

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze has led the tributes, stating: "I express my deep sorrow over the death of Giorgi Nemsadze. This is a tremendous loss for Georgian football.As the former captain of Georgia’s national team, an outstanding professional and a leader with a fighting spirit, he successfully represented both the national team and Georgian and foreign clubs.

"With his distinctive playing style and perseverance, he left a lasting mark on the history of Georgian sport. I extend my heartfelt condolences to Giorgi Nemsadze’s family, loved ones, teammates and the entire country”