Dumbarton United Blacks 2005s have been put through their paces recently by some of the best in the business.

Not only did the boys have the opportunity to practise their skills at Rangers’ Hummel Training Centre earlier this year, where they picked up tips and advice from the club’s coaching staff, but two top Championship players have also made it along to the team’s training sessions to share their expertise.

In recent weeks, the 2005s have been joined in training by Celtic and Scotland Under 21 goalkeeper Ross Doohan, who has been enjoying regular football at Ayr United this season where he is on loan.

The boys had a fantastic time with Doohan, who put the team’s two goalkeepers Ben and Logan through their paces and took time to answer questions.

Following Doohan’s appearance, the side then welcomed his Ayr United team-mate Lawrence Shankland who has bagged 31 goals in 33 appearances for The Honest Men this season and is currently on the radar of a number of clubs up and down the UK.

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These experiences are just the latest in what has been a memorable season for the boys who also enjoyed a trip to see Manchester City play last October where they met Manchester United’s head of youth coaching and former player Nicky Butt and took part in different football activities at the fan zone at the club’s training ground.

Coach David Lavery said: “The boys had an amazing time training with these professionals and enjoyed a fantastic experience of being able to watch and learn from these guys training with them.

“Both Ross and Lawrence commented not only on the attitude of the boys but identified a couple of our boys who they were impressed with. Training first hand and being able to talk to these guys about not just football but day to day life made this a unique and enjoyable experience that I hope the boys remember as they go forward in their footballing journey.

“Everyone at Dumbarton United Blacks would like to thank the guys for their efforts and wish them all the best for the rest of the season.”