Dumbarton winger Tom Walsh admits he is planning to make up for lost time after joining the Sons on loan from Rangers.
The 19-year-old made his debut for the Championship outfit in Saturday’s goal-less draw at Raith Rovers after penning a deal until the end of the season.
Walsh’s only two appearances for Rangers this season came back in August in the league win over St Mirren and Petrofac Training Cup victory against Ayr United.
But the youngster’s progress in Govan has been stunted by two separate ankle problems and Walsh admits he is hoping to kick-start his career at the Cheaper Insurance Direct stadium.
Walsh, who was replaced seven minutes from time by Jordan Kirkpatrick, said: “I was delighted to get through the game and get minutes under my belt.
“Games are massive for me, I’ve got to develop and play more. That’s why I’m here, to hopefully do that every week.
“I played in the St Mirren game in the first match of the season for Rangers and then down at Ayr in the cup.
“But I’ve had two ankle injuries on both sides, which has hindered me in the first half of the season.
“I’m looking to kick on, stay injury-free and hopefully get a good run of games.
“I enjoyed it on Saturday and I got nearly 90 minutes.
“The first half was good, I was able to create a few things. The second half was more about trying to put in a shift for the team.”
Dumbarton were the happier side at full-time after having to soak up Raith pressure during the second half.
Sons defender Frazer Wright twice kept out Louis Longridge efforts on the line in quick succession, while goalkeeper Jamie Ewings repelled shots from Ross Callachan and sub Grant Anderson.
Walsh added: “We held on for a point and it was massive. We went up a place to seventh ahead of St Mirren as well.
“We’re looking up, we’re not looking behind.”
Raith boss Ray McKinnon, meanwhile, reckons there is a lot more to come from Aidan Connolly after the playmaker impressed on his debut just 24 hours after joining from Dundee United.
McKinnon said: “He’s a right good player. He’s clever, he’s quick and he’ll fit in well.
“You have to remember that he’s not played in a while so he’s done well for his first game.
“He’s going to get better for us, you can see he’s good with the ball and I’m looking forward to working with him until the end of the season.”
