Former Cambuslang Rangers star John Gemmell could make dramatic SPFL return to Dumbarton after trialist cameo

John Gemmell has revealed a joking text to Dumbarton boss Stevie Farrell could lead to another crack at SPFL football this season - at the age of 37.

The big striker was at Cambuslang Rangers last season, helping them win the West of Scotland Football League Conference B title in the seventh tier of Scottish football.

But after losing 10 kilograms over the summer with a new fitness regime, Gemmell turned out as a trialist for Sons in a 4-0 win at home to Annan in League Two on Saturday.

He set up Gregor Buchanan for the final goal of the game after making a late cameo and now he is hopeful of sealing a return to the club he turned out for 15 years ago, after a message to boss Farrell went further than he ever expected.

The veteran forward explained: "I got asked to come and play in the over-35s by a friend of mine and it just happens that Stevie Farrell was playing also.

"We became pally and I messaged him - really just as a joke - to say if he needed a striker just to give me a shout.

"I have actually lost 10kgs since the end of last season.

"I've been hammering the gym five days a week so I'm probably in the best shape of my life right now.

"I've been in training with Dumbarton for the last four weeks now, albeit three of them was coming through a wee hamstring injury in one of the games I played.

"They helped me through the injury, working with the physio and sports scientist.

"I played on Saturday as a trialist there so I've still not signed.

"We've spoken briefly about a deal, but we are a wee bit away. We've not spoken about the length of the contract and things like that so we'll see.

"We've got a friendly tonight and then I'm going to sit down with Stevie and see what craic is."

Gemmell - who last played in the