NEW Clydebank goalkeeper Josh Lumsden has revealed that he had to leave Dumbarton for the good of his career and he is ready to compete with Robert Hamilton for the Bankies’ number one jersey.

The 18-year-old was offered a new deal at Dumbarton but felt it was unlikely he would get a first team opportunity at the Sons. He has made the step down to the junior ranks with Budgie McGhie’s side and insists it was the right choice as he looks to get some first team experience before one day making the step back up to senior level.

He said: “I’m going to be honest, I am not good enough to play first team football at Dumbarton just yet. You see the league they are in with the likes of Rangers, Hibs and St Mirren, you’re playing in front of big crowds and for an 18-year-old that is a big step.

“They’ve got Jamie Ewings there who is experienced and a much better goalie than me and they have just signed Mark Brown who has played at the top level. The competition was so high that I think taking a step back was the right choice.

“I was at Dumbarton for three years and had good experience playing 20s and reserves as well as being around some top goalkeepers so hopefully that can help me take the next step.

“The plan is to get back to full-time senior football one day. I was in training with Partick Thistle for two weeks, it wasn’t a trial or anything and I was never going to be signed but just to see the full time setup and it makes you really want to get to that level.

“Clydebank has a great history and I’m looking forward to getting started.” Robert Hamilton has been at the Bankies since the 2011/12 season and has racked up 113 appearances for the club during that time. Lumsden is all too aware of the challenge displacing Hamilton presents, however he claims he will be up to the task.

He said: “The plan is to get into the side but obviously you can’t just walk into the team so hopefully pre-season will be good for me and I can show that I am good enough to play first team football.”