DUMBARTON keeper Mark McGeown says his battle for the gloves with David McEwan at the Strathclyde Homes Stadium will see a rich return of clean sheets.

The veteran No.1 was signed alongside the former Hamilton keeper by Sons boss Jim Chapman in the summer.

After sustaining a pre-season back injury, McGeown has found himself on the bench, but reckons the competition for a place will spur both men on to play well.

He said: "At 38 I am not going to get too bothered about starting the season on the bench. It was very frustrating to pick up the back injury. In David we have an outstanding keeper who should be playing at a higher level and I am pretty confident he will soon.

"But David knows if he does suffer a form dip then I am ready to step in. In my experience as a keeper, when you know you have competition for the gloves it keeps you on your toes. That is only going to benefit us over the course of the season.

"That is why it has been a very shrewd move by Jim in bringing us both in over the summer. Clean sheets mean points and I'm sure because of the competition between us Dumbarton will get more than usual this term."

McGeown has built a reputation as one of the finest shot-stoppers in the SFL during a 20-year career. And he admits it was boss Chappie's infectious enthusiasm that attracted him to the Sons.

The keeper said: "Jim's love of the game and enthusiasm for it are catching. That really impressed me along with the quality of the summer signings we have made. But tomorrow we face a real test of our ambitions at Elgin and we must be ready for that."

Albion Rovers travel to East Stirling with Paul Martin's side determined to build on a determined midweek Co-op Cup showing against Raith.