The 30-year-old defender was released by Dundee United in January and with his wealth of top flight experience Murray didn’t think a move to The Rock would come to fruition.

However it became clear last Wednesday that Wilson, who spent six and a half years at Celtic, would be open to the move, and the Sons boss was delighted to snap up his man.

Murray told SportScene: “It is a great signing for us. It came up very quickly, we knew he was available on a free but we didn’t go for him because we thought it would be a waste of a phone call to be honest so we never tried.

“Then it cropped up on Wednesday and we managed to get it over the line on Thursday.” Wilson bagged more than 100 appearances for Celtic during a six year spell in which the club won four league titles, two League Cups and two Scottish Cups.

Wilson also captained the Parkhead side and played in the Champions League.

Dumbarton have signed him up until the end of the season and Murray is excited by the prospect of Wilson featuring in his team.

He said: “He’ll bring a great quality to the team. He can play right back, left back and holding midfield. He is a quality player and his attitude is fantastic.

“He has played at a very high level with Celtic and Dundee United, he’s been capped for Scotland and played in England.

“Hopefully he comes in and does well and we can help him ,then we’ll sit down in the summer and see what we can do.”