Kevin Thomson: Dundee captain 'asked to leave' - Paul Hartley

Kevin Thomson has played 12 times this season

Dundee Manager Paul Hartley has revealed that midfielder Kevin Thomson, who had been club captain, asked to leave Dens Park.

The injury-plagued 31-year-old was released on Friday "by mutual consent".

"He came to us at the start of the week; he just felt the amount of injuries he's had has taken its toll," Hartley told BBC Scotland.

"We were surprised, but we granted his wish. There was no fall-out, it was purely Kevin's decision."

The former Hibernian, Middlesbrough and Rangers player made 11 starts for Hartley's side this season.

And the midfielder was also a substitute in Dundee's last game - the 2 January derby win over Dundee United.

Asked if Thomson had another club lined up, Hartley said: "I don't know wher. He just felt he hasn't played enough this season.

"I think he felt disappointed in himself that he's not played enough football.

"We asked him to think about it, but he'd made his mind up to leave the club."

Thomson, whose career has been beset by injury problems, joined Dundee in the summer of 2014 after being released by Hibs.

Defender James McPake, who arrived at Dens Park at the same time after leaving Easter Road, had taken over as captain when Thomson was not in the team but has himself been ruled out until the summer through injury.

Republic of Ireland centre-half Darren O'Dea was signed as a replacement after leaving Mumbai City.