Ian Murray signed the 19-year-old defender in January, on a loan deal from Celtic until the end of the season. Findlay has started every game for his new manager since and has impressed in those seven games.

He was named the club’s player of the month for February and was yesterday (Monday) named in the Scotland under-21 squad for their friendly with Hungary.

The centre back insists he can see developments in his abilities during his stint at the Rock and that the youth staff at Celtic have been delighted with his progress.

He told SportScene: “It has been brilliant so far, we have had a couple of good results recently and a couple of clean sheets. I played half the season at Morton last year and that has really helped me out because I feel that I have come on leaps and bounds. I’ve been able to slot into the defence at Dumbarton really well.

“The fans have been great, the boys have really helped integrate me into the squad and the manager has done everything possible for me.

“Everything I could’ve asked for the club have provided and I think it really shows in how I have started my loan spell.

“It is a development loan which means I can still play for Celtic under-20s, it is good that I’ve been able to keep in touch with Celtic and they have said that they have noticed a difference in me already and that my time at Dumbarton has really helped me.” An aspect of the defender’s game which has impressed in his short time at Dumbarton is how comfortable he is in possession, often carrying the ball out of defence with ease. Despite his ability on the ball Findlay had never played anywhere else apart from centre back, but he thinks the footballing philosophy which is taught through the Celtic youth ranks has helped him develop the skills needed to be a ball playing defender.

He explained: “I’ve never played anywhere apart form centre back but coming through at Celtic it is in their philosophy that they want to play out from the back, they want their defenders to be good on the ball. I think I’ve brought that with me to Dumbarton and have shown what I can do with and without the ball.” Findlay’s contract with Celtic runs out at the end of the season, although the Parkhead club have an option to extend that by a year. The youngster admits he doesn’t know what his future will hold but wants to make the most of his time at the Rock before discussing it with Celtic at the end of the season.

He said: “Celtic have an option of another year, which I think there is a good chance they will take. But I really don’t know what the future holds at Celtic, I’m just hoping to do as well as I can at Dumbarton and hope to push my way into the Celtic first team. If not I can use that experience and push on with my career.”