IAN MURRAY has hailed Dumbarton's loan stars for helping them into Championship play-off contention.

Murray's side bounced back from their William Hill Scottish Cup defeat to Premiership high-flyers Aberdeen with a 5-1 rout of Cowdenbeath last weekend and head into today's clash with top-of-the-table Dundee in high spirits as they bid for a top-four finish.

Striker Chris Kane has been a stand-out for the Sons since joining from St Johnstone on loan, while Celtic's Mikey Miller has seen his burgeoning reputation grow.

Boss Murray said: "All the players, particularly the younger ones who come in, are a gamble.

"We take advice on who we bring to the Bet Butler Stadium and this season all have been exceptional.

"Chris Kane has come in and has proved himself at a decent level and, of course, we now have Mikey Miller, who has adapted very well.

"He has a chance of playing for Celtic's first team and we are happy to help with his development."

The Sons host Paul Hartley's side this afternoon aiming to go level on points with fourth-placed Queen of the South in the standings.

Murray's side are well in the hunt for a play-off berth and he has backed his free-flowing forward line to shine once again.

He said: "Today's game will be another test for us. Dundee are leading the way in the Championship but, on our day, as we have shown, we can compete with anybody in this league.

"As a part-time side we are proving our worth. To hit 50 goals is proof of that. Last week's scoreline probably flattered us a wee bit, but we deserved to win and our attacking football is working."