Dumbarton manager Stevie Aitken is relishing the challenge of trying to preserve the Sons’ Championship status, admitting: “This is why I took the job!’
Aitken’s side are currently only two points clear of Livingston in the relegation play-zone position and are desperate to bounce back from the 6-0 mauling to Queen of the South on their last outing.
Today’s visit of Morton’s marks the start of a daunting run of matches, with trips to the likes of Rangers and Hibs to follow.
But former Stranraer boss Aitken admits he is looking forward to the battle of trying to move clear of the trap door.
He said: “These are the types of games you want to be in football for and this is why I took the job.
“You want to be at this level to test yourself against these teams. Every week you get tested and we’ll certainly look to compete in these games.
“The boys have trained well this week and we’ll look to bounce back.
“We’ve had a couple of knocks earlier in the season and responded and we’ll certainly try to bounce back like we have done before.
“The boys know what went wrong against Queen of the South and we’ll look to rectify it.”
Aitken is thrilled for striker Christian Nade after the Frenchman was named Ladbrokes Championship Player of the Month for March.
The highlight of the month was the former Hearts player’s hat-trick in the 3-1 win over Alloa.
Aitken said: “I’m delighted for Christian to get that reward. He is a likeable fella and he’s worked hard since he’s come in.
“I see him as someone who can go and score goals and have played him in a more out and out striker role, and hopefully he can help us out between now and the end of the season.”
