A knee ligament strain picked up against Hibs last Sunday ended his season and boss Craig Levein has told the 31-year-old he is free to head over the North Sea as soon as he can make arrangements.

He’ll have further treatment for his injury next week before he goes, but United are delighted he has already confirmed he will be back to watch the final game of the season, at home to Celtic.

That will give him the chance to take a bow in front of the fans and let them show their appreciation for a player they’ve taken to their hearts.

And, while his gaffer wanted to hang on to him for another couple of seasons, Kalvenes will leave with the best wishes of all the staff.

“I’m disappointed he’s going, but it is not unexpected. His wife wants to go home and, when you consider he’s planning to spend the rest of his life with her and would only have been here for another two years, it’s a no brainer for him,” said Craig.

“We’ll miss him, because he has been excellent on the pitch and he is someone who is good to work with. I get on really well with him and, if I could have another 10 Christian Kalveneses, I’d be happy.

“It’s a pity his injury means he’s played his last game, but I’m pleased he’s coming back over for the Celtic game. It’ll be nice for the fans to get the chance to say goodbye.”

That now means another left-back will be added to Craig’s list of wants for next term and, on that score, he has again been linked with Airdrie United front man Allan Russell.

“The position with him has not changed and he is one on a list of players I’m looking at. I did go to watch him play against Alloa, but he came off injured after 15 minutes so things did not move forward any.”

Looking at the race for third and Saturday’s trip to Motherwell, Darren Dods’ foot problem has flared up again and he is a big doubt.

United’s reserve game against Rangers, which was due to go ahead at Broadwood today, has been cancelled and rescheduled for Monday, May 12.