Kilmarnock have completed the signing of Belgian forward Dieter van Tornhout on an eighteen-month contract.

The 26-year-old striker has joined the Rugby Park club from Cypriot club Nea Salamina.

Van Tornhout has made an immediate move after agreeeing a contract termination with his previous club but willnot be included in Killie's squad for the League Cup semi-final against Ayr United on Saturday.

Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels said he was looking to keep consistency with the squad that had taken him this far in the competition.

"We've worked hard to create a spirit, so if we bring in someone new it could upset that," Shiels explained.

"I know Ayr have signed two players from Blackpool, which is their prerogative, but it can have an adverse effect.

"Dieter's got good movement and a decent understanding of the game. His club in Cyprus have got into financial difficulties and we've got him on a very good meal ticket.

"It's not expensive for us."

Van Tornhout began his career with Club Brugge in his homeland, notably scoring against Utrecht in the UEFA Cup in 2004 but found first team opportunities limited and moved to Sparta Rotterdam on loan the following year.

The forward then moved to Holland on a permanent deal, joining Roda JC where he spent three years. Van Tornhout then moved to Enosis Neon Paralimni in 2009 before a switch to Nea Salamina last summer.

The striker becomes Kilmarnock’s fourth signing of the January transfer window. Michael Nelson has been recruited form Scunthorpe and Ben Gordon has moved north from Chelsea on a second loan deal.

Dean Shiels has agreed a permanent switch after a spell on loan from Doncaster.