The 31-year-old Norwegian left full back has signed a two-year deal with the Clarets after his contract with the Scottish club expired this summer.

Clarets boss Owen Coyle said: "I am obviously delighted to have secured the signature of Christian, who I have naturally been aware of from my time in Scotland.

"I think he was the best full back in Scotland last year and, as he was available on a Bosman we took the opportunity to try to lure him to the club.

"We had to beat of some serious competition, particularly from on major force in British football, so we are absolutely delighted to have him on board and look forward to working with him."

Coyle, whose whirlwind week has seen him sign Martin Paterson, Kevin McDonald and, subject to a work permit, Peruvian goalkeeper Diego Penny, added: "Christian has played for some terrific clubs and he brings a lot of valuable experience.

"He has just turned 31, but he is supremely athletic and comfortable on the ball for a big man, so he will be a tremendous addition to the football club."

Kalvenes, 31, began his career with Brann Bergen, later playing for two years at Asane, where he made almost 50 appearances.

In 2000 he joined Norwegian first Division side Sogndal, where he made over 70 appearances in three seasons, before returning to Brann.

Three years later, the left-sided defender was on the move again, this time to the British Isles to join Dundee United at the start of the 2006/07 campaign in a £50,000 deal, after kick-starting the season with a UEFA Cup appearance for the Norwegians.

He duly scored on his competitive debut at Ibrox as United drew 2-2 with Glasgow Rangers in the second game of the 2006-07 season.

That was to be his only goal of a season when he established himself as a regular, playing over 30 games for the Terrors.

Midway through his second season at Tannadice Park, the left back hinted at a return to Scandinavia in the summer of 2008, when his contract expired.

However, he continued to be a regular starter and ended his Dundee career as he started in his penultimate appearance in April 2008 - with a goal against Rangers.