Youngster Michael Carr wrote himself into the Dumbarton FC history books on Saturday by becoming the youngest player ever to be listed in a matchday squad.

At 16 years and 12 days of age, the goalkeeper was named among the substitutes as a trialist by manager Jim Duffy for the club’s trip to Firhill to face Partick Thistle.

Carr, who plays with local side Dumbarton United’s 2004 squad, had been training with Sons for a number of weeks as part of the club’s commitment to engage with football in the local community – and received the call-up to the bench on Thursday night when it was discovered that regular number two goalkeeper Chris Smith had not yet fully recovered from injury.

And whilst the Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School pupil didn’t get on the pitch, he revealed that he is learning plenty from the club’s goalkeepers, and their coach Robert Glen, and hopes to take that experience into his club football.

Speaking post-match, he said: “It was a brilliant experience and good to see all the boys up close in a game instead of just training with them.

“It was Thursday night when Jim pulled me aside and said Chris was still injured so we want you to be on the bench.

“It’s been a brilliant experience. Every week I’m learning something different and something I can take into games on Sundays.

“Everyone has been really welcoming and they’re really nice guys.”

Sons came away with a point after a solid defensive display, with starting goalkeeper Kevin Dabrowski coming away with the plaudits as he made a number of impressive saves, including a penalty.

Speaking last month, goalkeeping coach Glen told the club’s website: “Michael is still a young lad, only just turning 16, and it’s very early in his goalkeeping career, but he’s shown great enthusiasm and potential to improve.

“It’s a great opportunity for him to experience a professional first team football environment, and hopefully he can take what he learns from us, and put that into practice in his games.”