AARON BARRY is confident Dumbarton can beat the drop this season after his Sons loan spell came to an end.

The defender has returned to parent club Sheffield United after Rock boss Ian Murray was unable to strike a deal to keep him at the Bet Butler Stadium until the end of the campaign.

Barry became a regular feature for the Championship side after coming north of the border in the summer but has been recalled to Bramall Lane by new Blades boss Nigel Clough at the end of his short-term deal.

Murray's men host bottom-of-the-table Morton tomorrow afternoon, aiming to put more breathing space between themselves and Kenny Shiels' side as they look to avoid relegation.

Barry said: "It is a really good group of boys there and I wish them all the best for the rest of the season. There is a lot of quality in the side and we have put in a lot of good performances: I think we were capable of beating anyone in the league.

"We are unlucky not to have a few more points on the board at this stage.

"If they can keep things going and playing like they are at the minute then I am sure they will be fine come the end of the season.

"The results might not show it just now but we are playing really well and when the results do come then they will be comfortable in the table."

Having gained much-needed experience in the Scottish Championship, Barry is trying to catch the eye of Clough, who replaced ex-Rangers defender Davie Weir in the League One hotseat last year, to get more football for the rest of the season.

He said: "Ian Murray was really good with me and he asked me about extending the loan because he thought I had done well and I was getting better each week.

"He wanted me to keep playing there, I had a good relationship with the back four and we were enjoying playing with each other.

"But Sheffield United want me back and the new manager hasn't really seen me play any games. I think they want to see me play and then we'll see what happens for the rest of the season.

"I really enjoyed my time at Dumbarton. I went there to gain some experience and played over 20 games.

"I had been playing in reserve games and stuff in England and you can't compare those to competitive games.

"The view of the Scottish leagues might be that they are not that competitive and not of that high a standard but the Championship is a tough division.

"There are no easy games and you have to give your all every week or you won't pick up results."