Michael Bailey Former Norwich City captain Mark Fotheringham is hoping to play in the Champions League next season.The Scottish midfielder, currently on a short-term deal with Dundee United, will head to Cyprus in January to play for Anorthosis Famagusta - who last season became the first Cypriot side to reach the Champions League group stages.

Michael Bailey

Former Norwich City captain Mark Fotheringham is hoping to play in the Champions League next season.

The Scottish midfielder, currently on a short-term deal with Dundee United, will head to Cyprus in January to play for Anorthosis Famagusta - who last season became the first Cypriot side to reach the Champions League group stages.

Turning out against the likes of Barcelona would be some change in scenery for the 25-year-old, whose career at Carrow Road went into terminal decline after taking offence at being substituted in City' home defeat to Coventry towards the end of last season's infamous campaign.

He never played for City again and was released by then manager Bryan Gunn in April.

Fotheringham said: “I enjoyed my time at Norwich and it's unfortunate I had, not a fall-out but, a disagreement with Bryan. I was unhappy with being substituted so late in a game. I'm an opinionated lad and as captain felt I could voice my opinion. The boss wasn't happy and I didn't play after that.

“I actually get on well with Bryan and I've spoken to him a lot since then, as clubs down south had asked after me. This happens in football and I want to put it behind me.”

Fotheringham had trials at a number of clubs over the summer, but is happy with the challenge that faces him in Cyprus.

“There was talk of me going to Espanyol and I had an agent telling me there were Spanish and Italian teams interested and he wanted me to hang off,” he said. “But this deal came up through (former Scottish footballer turned agent) Neil Murray and it was too good an opportunity to turn down.

“Famagusta played in the Champions League last season and have some really good players. They are one of four or five sides who are always going for the title, so I'm really looking forward to it.

“I had a disagreement with Andy Gross who looked after me my whole career. He was disappointed I chose to go to Cyprus because he didn't think the league was as strong.

“He wanted me to stay in England or go to Spain, Germany or Italy. But Famagusta are sitting joint-top at the moment. They win most weeks and that's how I was brought up by Tommy Burns at Celtic. You have to win not only every week but in every training session. It was demanded of you.

“Maybe I did lose my head a few times at Norwich but that's just because I don't like to lose.”

Former Dundee midfielder Fotheringham joined Scottish Premier League high fliers United after Famagusta manager Slavoljub Muslin told the Scot to get some football under his belt before arriving next year, and he helped the Terrors to a 1-1 draw with Hamilton on Saturday - his first start since facing the Sky Blues with City.

“I enjoyed it, although it was frustrating because I took a knock early on and didn't move freely. It was a welcome back with a bang.

“I really want to do well for Craig Levein. He's been first class to me and I want to play games and get a few goals for him.”