DUMBARTON chairman John Steele has promised that the club will do all it can to comply with Covid restrictions after the Scottish FA slapped a ban on all training outside the Premiership.

Bosses at Hampden announced on Thursday that all professional, junior and amateur clubs in Scotland, with the exception of the SPFL’s top flight, would not be permitted to train until August 24.

The ban was imposed following breaches by two Premiership clubs after eight Aberdeen players visited a bar two weekends ago and Celtic defender Boli Bolingoli took a short trip to Spain before playing against Kilmarnock last Sunday, putting players from both sides at risk.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said that football had be shown the yellow card and if the rules were to be broken again it would be a red – hinting at another football shutdown

The SFA’s instruction brought an end to the socially-distanced training sessions that had begun for some clubs – though not Dumbarton – on July 23.

Boss Jim Duffy had previously revealed that he was hoping to begin pre-season training in the last week of August.

Steele told the club’s website that he will continue to monitor the latest guidelines for when Dumbarton do return.

He said: “In view of the recent events, it is important that we at Dumbarton FC redouble our commitment to, and efforts towards, ensuring the highest levels of public health protection as we prepare for new league and cup campaigns.

“The breaches in health and safety which have attracted much media attention do not involve League One clubs such as ourselves, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t take our own responsibility every bit as seriously.

“We will continue to do all we can to ensure that staff, players and volunteers all abide by health precautions and restrictions in relation to Covid-19.

“That means regularly reviewing our procedures and practices, as well as taking on board such proposals that may be developed by the Joint Response Group of the football authorities.

“We look for maximum support and engagement from all involved in these important matters.

“Ensuring the safety of everyone connected with the club, or supporters, our families and the community is of utmost importance to Dumbarton FC.”

Meanwhile, Jim Duffy has called on Ruaridh Langan to make a starting jersey his own after the 22-year-old signed a new deal.

Langan was in and out of the side in the crowded midfield position last season, but with Kyle Hutton and Joe McKee leaving the club, the opportunity will be there for the former Morton youngster to consolidate a starting spot.

Duffy told the Reporter that he thinks Langan has all the right attributes, and hopes his positive win record last season can be carried over into the 2020/21 campaign.

He said: “He’s got the right attitude and energy and is a real competitor and is an important part of the squad.

“If you look at the games that Ruaridh started, I think it was 12, I’d be surprised if 10 of them weren’t wins, so he had a really good record of when he played to success and that’s always a good thing.

“It was a very difficult area to break through on a regular basis, but nevertheless you still need boys who can go and contribute and come into the team.”