Stevie Farrell said towering forward Russell McLean was his number one January target after securing a deal for the Peterhead striker.
McLean hit 15 goals for the League One side last season –including four in three games against Dumbarton – before injury ended his season in April.
Having played just twice in the last eight months, Farrell admits it will take the 6’5 frontman time to get up to speed – but has backed him to be a key player for the Sons as they challenge Stirling Albion for the League Two title.
The boss said: “Russell McLean was our number one target this month.
“We had two or three players in mind, but I’ve got to thank the club for getting the deal for Russell across the line. We’re not in a great position financially, so I’ve got to thank the board of directors because I believe that Russell will be a big player for us between now and the end of the season.
“When he came on today for his first half-an-hour in eight months you could see what he’s capable of. He’s going to work with Matty (Fenwick) our sports scientist and get fitter and stronger.
“He’ll play a big part between now and the end of the season.”
McLean, 24, already has more than 50 career goals to his name – and was joined in the Sons squad by a further two players aiming to boost Sons’ firepower.
Top scorer Declan Byrne was named in a matchday squad for the first time since October after surgery, while teenage midfielder Luca Vata – nephew of former Celtic cult hero Rudi Vata – has joined the first team squad on amateur terms after impressing for the club’s U18 side.
Faz added: “Young Luca came into the squad because he’s deserved it. He’s been on the fringes for a while. He’s impressed with the U18s and he’s a player we’ve got really high hopes for.
“We’ve got Declan Byrne back now as well.
“I’m really happy and confident with the squad. I back us going forward.”
Looking ahead to this Saturday’s meeting with Premiership Kilmarnock, Faz added: “We’ll go to Kilmarnock with confidence.
“Kilmarnock are a Premiership side and we know we need to be at our very best to get anything.
“But the league is our priority.
“We’re four points clear, albeit Stirling have a game in hand, so we’re right bang in a title race.”
