Ian Murray’s side have this weekend off with Scottish Cup ties scheduled but then face Alloa, Raith Rovers, Falkirk and Cowdenbeath in December’s league ties. Alloa and Cowdenbeath sit a point and two points behind Sons respectively, while Falkirk and Raith occupy the two positions above them.

Kane hasn’t featured for Sons since scoring a late equaliser against Falkirk in September. The on-loan St Johnstone striker took just five minutes to make his mark after coming on at half-time to score in Saturday’s 6-3 defeat to Hibs. That made him Dumbarton’s joint top league scorer with three goals from just four appearances.

Former Kilmarnock and Hibs striker Nish enjoys playing alongside Kane and thinks his return could be crucial for Dumbarton.

He said: “It does make a difference. Kano is a very good player, he is fast and he goes in behind which gives the centre-halves another problem. That means I’ve not got someone standing in front of me and behind me. It definitely helps me there is no doubt about it, because I’m not the one who is going to run in behind.

“Defenders know that so they can play a bit higher but when Kano is beside me he has the threat of doing that, it definitely benefits the team as he has a habit of scoring goals.” Nish admits that it has been difficult for the squad to keep their confidence at a good level having faced a string of fixtures against the Championship’s big guns but insists December’s fixtures gives Sons the perfect opportunity to go on a good run.

He said: “You go into every game thinking you have a chance of winning. But with having Hearts, Rangers and Hibs in the league it is difficult to get a run going so confidence can be knocked.

“Maybe with the run we have we can get our confidence up and keep it there.”