Forward Dean Rhappozzoh has stepped up to Stevie Farrell’s first team squad for the new season.
The Scots-Zimbabwean attacker, 19, came through the ranks at Hearts and Livingston – as well as playing with Benburb and St Roch’s in the West of Scotland League – joined Sons’ development side earlier in the year.
And after catching the eye of boss Stevie Farrell whilst training with the first team, he’s now been handed a squad number for the new campaign.
Dean made his Sons debut as a late substitute in Saturday’s victory against Hamilton Academical in the Premier Sports Cup, and came close to sealing the win in stoppage time.
Sons fans can now look forward to seeing plenty more of the forward, who can play through the middle or out wide, during the season.
Boss Stevie Farrell said: “Dean has worked hard in training during pre-season to earn his opportunity, and is another example of the pathway we have in place at the club – with our youth system continuing to go from strength-to-strength.
“He is the sort of player who will get fans off their seats and he gives us another dimension in attack. If he continues to work hard, learn and apply himself then we’re confident he can make his mark this season.”
Head of Youth Gordon Scanlan added: “Dean has worked extremely hard to break through from the under 20’s group, and is outstanding evidence of both our academy player pathway bearing fruit and the commitment of our first team staff to give opportunities to young players who earn and deserve it.
“In many ways though the hard work has just started for Dean to go and achieve what he wants to in the game.
“Everyone involved in and who contributes to our academy deserves recognition for the success of our player development pathway and I look forward to a bright future with more talented players looking to make the breakthrough in the future.”
Dean will wear the number 20 shirt this season.