Dumbarton boss Stevie Aitken hopes that the success of Dimitrios ‘Jimmy’ Froxylias since joining the club will help persuade players to make the switch to the Sons in future.

The former Cypriot under-21 international sealed a contract extension at the club until the end of the season during the week despite interest from elsewhere, having initially signed a short-term deal in the summer.

Froxylias was set to leave Scotland before Aitken took a chance on him, and he hopes that the way his player has revitalised himself at the club shows what a great environment he has created there.

“He has done really well since coming in and thoroughly deserves the new contract,” Aitken said.

“We’re delighted to have got it sorted out, because he is a really talented lad. You can certainly see why he has played at such a high level before, and he can get back there again.

“It isn’t the first time we have been able to do that for a player, and hopefully that shows that we are doing something right here.”

Aitken’s men will host Dundee United today, and he is wary of a reaction from their players after the departure of manager Ray McKinnon during the week.

An excellent record against United though, particularly at home where they beat the Terrors twice last season by a single goal to nil, is providing plenty of encouragement for Aitken and his men.

“I really feel for Ray because he did an excellent job there in my opinion,” said Aitken.

“We have to be aware though that there could be that upturn in performance from their players, and I’m sure they will come flying out of the traps.

“We are confident of getting a result again though.”