The 29-year-old initially joins the Clarets on an emergency loan, meaning that, subject to clearance, he could feature in tonight's Carling Cup second round tie.

Burnley boss Owen Coyle said: "We are delighted to add Russell to the squad.

"We have been chasing him for a while, but obviously the finances involved, along with a couple of other things, did not make it possible until now.

"He is a player I have full admiration for. I remember him at Aberdeen, where he was held in such high esteem that Sunderland eventually paid £1m for his services.

"Unfortunately, he had no sooner signed than he picked up an injury and obviously he ended up finding it hard to get back into Roy Keane's side.

"But there is no doubting the quality he has. We have seen him at close quarters, and he did well on loan at Plymouth last season and he will be a tremendous acquisition."

Anderson has been given the squad number 24 at Turf Moor.

He began his career with home town club Aberdeen as a trainee, making his first team debut in 1997.

After 10 years with the Dons, and with 300 appearances under his belt, the club captain was awarded a testimonial against Everton.

Anderson then moved to Sunderland for £1m last summer, but after only two games, he suffered a long-term ankle injury, which ruled the defender out for five months.

When he recovered, the Scotland international joined Championship side Plymouth on loan, and his form at the heart of the defence eventually brought a recall to the Scotland side, playing his part as a substitute in the 1-1 draw at Hampden Park in March against Croatia to earn his 11th international cap.