Derry City defender Daniel Lafferty signs for Burnley

Daniel Lafferty had an impressive 2011 season for Derry City

Burnley have completed the signing of Derry City defender Daniel Lafferty.

Lafferty, 22, has agreed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Championship club following a successful trial spell at Turf Moor.

The fee has not been disclosed although BBC Sport understands that Derry have been paid in the region of £150,000 for the ex-Northern Ireland Under-21.

"We had a look at him for a week in training and he impressed us," said Burnley boss Eddie Howe.

Lafferty had spells with Celtic and Ayr United before returning to his home town club in 2010.

"It's the closed-season in Ireland so he's a bit behind in fitness work so we have a bit of work to do to get him right up to speed and it's a big jump for him from the level that he's played at," added Howe on the Burnley website.

"He's had a good grounding at Celtic. You can see he's had a good education. He's got a lovely left foot and he loves to get forward.

"He's a really good footballer and he fit very much into our philosophy. He's one for the future but is also in our thoughts for now."

Last year his impressive form for Derry led to his inclusion in the Airtricity League side which played against Celtic in July.