Wednesday 9th December 2015
DONALD McCALLUM could have sold somebody a Christmas present by the time you read this article.
A new T-shirt or a pair of trainers maybe, or something a bit more special.
Which would be quite apt.
They say that Dumbarton’s recent Scottish Cup campaigns have had limited romance. Try telling that to the striker, who’s still getting used to being 19.
That was the number of seconds it took for him to light the blue touchpaper and fire the first of Sons’ five unanswered goals against Alloa last night.
Fans were barely comfortable in their seats. Many players, including most of the visitors, hadn’t even touched the ball.
And there Donald was, on his first senior start, scoring in the time it takes Usain Bolt to run 200m.
He might sell something special in the pre-festive sales at the Glasgow sports shop where he works. But last night was something money couldn’t buy.
Donald said: “It was really good. I was happy to get a start and to get a goal after 19 seconds was amazing.
“When the chance came I just thought I had to hit it and hope for the best. I don’t know how it came about, but I was through and just had to take my chance.
“I only found out I was starting when the gaffer read the team out in the dressing room. I never thought I would start although I hoped I would get a chance off the bench.
“I probably tired out in the second half as I’m not used to games with that intensity, but I enjoyed it.
“And I’ve made my first start in a 5-0 victory! It’s a brilliant result for the team. The most important thing was to win and get through to the next round of the Scottish Cup.”
Sons will play Queen of the South at home in that next tie on Saturday, January 9. Immediately, though, sights are set on St Mirren.
And after his goal, Donald hopes to be involved again, with the Buddies managed by Ian Murray, who gave him his first team debut for Dumbarton.
The youngster also paid tribute to strike partner Garry Fleming, who scored Sons’ second in the 5-0 rout.
He added: “The good thing about playing alongside an experienced player like Garry is that he is big and strong, and knows exactly where you are. That was important for me.
“We’ll be training on Thursday night and I’ll see how it goes. I know other strikers, like Steven Craig, might be back.
“But hopefully I can feature at some point in the game. It would be great to be involved.
“In the meantime I’ll be back at work on Wednesday, and I’ll see if I get recognised!”
Andy Galloway