Anderson made his Scotland debut in 2002

Burnley have moved to bolster their defensive options with the loan signing of Russell Anderson from Sunderland.

The 29-year-old, who could be in line for Tuesday's Carling Cup tie with Oldham, agreed to join Burnley on a season-long loan.

"We are delighted to add Russell to the squad and we have been chasing him for a while," said manager Owen Coyle.

"He is a player I have full admiration for. I remember him at Aberdeen where he was held in such high esteem."

There is no doubting the quality he has and he will be a tremendous acquisition Burnley manager Owen Coyle

The Scotland international started his career in his home town of Aberdeen as a trainee before making a �1m move to Sunderland in the summer of 2007.

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

"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 will wear squad number 24 at Turf Moor.