Dumbarton star Michael Ruth aims to repay Sons' faith by firing club to promotion

Michael Ruth says he has relished doing the dirty work for Sons this season – because it means he’s playing every week.

The forward has been a standout performer for Stevie Farrell’s men, playing a key role in defending from the front – as well as chipping in with 13 goals and six assists this season.

And having made just 25 starts in senior football prior to signing at The Rock, he says he’s delighted at finally being able to show the quality that saw Aberdeen pluck him from Queen’s Park as a 16-year-old.

The 22-year-old told the Lennox: “I always knew I needed games. I needed to come somewhere I’d be playing consistently and got matches under my belt.

“The gaffer, Franko (assistant manager Frank McKeown) and the staff have been brilliant with giving me that opportunity. I want to reward them with good performances.

“It’s not the glamorous side of being a striker. But coming into the play-offs I knew it wasn’t all going to be getting the ball, turning and getting away shots. You need to be doing the dirty side of the game.

“That’s what I think I’ve done. But I think everyone did that at Forthbank. Even if we weren’t at our best.

“At 2-1 down we knew they’d throw everything at it. At the end they had four up front. But the whole team, as a unit, were excellent. And the defence didn’t put a foot wrong.

“When I signed I wanted to show my ability. It can be hard when you’re in and out the team. I’m really happy with the season so far, but we’ve still got a big week to come.”

Ruth’s showings have been key in setting up Sons’ play-off final with Spartans – with both games expected to draw big crowds, as well as being broadcast live on BBC Alba.

And he hopes to have something to celebrate with the Sons support come 10pm on