DUMBARTON are in talks to extend the loan of Partick Thistle midfielder Hugh Murray until the end of the season.

The former St Mirren skipper has impressed for Ian Murray's side since dropping down into the Championship from the top-flight Jags at the start of the campaign.

Despite helping Thistle to the First Division title last term, the 34-year-old found himself out of Firhill manager Alan Archibald's plans following the captures of Isaac Osbourne and Gary Fraser.

Injuries to Osbourne and skipper Sean Welsh, coupled with Fraser's lengthy suspension, mean Archibald is short of midfield options.

But the Jags boss has no plans to utilise Murray in the second half of the campaign, with the Sons in pole position to clinch his signature once again.

He said: "Shug will go back out on loan. He has spoken to Dumbarton. He has done ever so well there, so he is going to go back there on loan."