By Jack Cranmer

DUMBARTON have shown they mean business this transfer window by signing seven-times capped Somalia defender Ali Omar.

The signing has brought some international magic to the lower reaches of the Scottish game and as the transfer window accelerates towards its closure, the fourth-tier outfit have completed one of the standout business deals outside the top level this month.

Debuting at home to Elgin City this past Saturday, Omar was unphased by the typical rough and rugged style of the Scottish lower leagues, and was one of the standout players for the Sons – despite the match ending in a draw – earning him acclaim from the supporters in attendance.

The Sons have struggled this season and are in a relegation fight against a second successive relegation which would leave them in non-league.

Dumbarton’s previous options in the heart of defence featured several stalwarts of the lower leagues, alongside veteran captain Mark Durnan, a player in the twilight of a career spent at a higher level.

However, Ali Omar offers something a bit different and as a current international with the Ocean Stars, qualifying because of family connections despite being born in England, he has enjoyed regular call-ups over the past 10 months into the country’s squad. He has come up against some of the superstars of the African game, such as Borrusia Dortmund forward Serhou Guirassy (Guinea) and former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), testing his game against some of the world’s best.

Ali told uwsnews: “Playing against players like Mahrez was a dream come true, but it’s a different feeling.

“When you’re on the pitch sharing these moments with these types of players, it gives you that bit of edge that you want to do more and when you do more, it gives you the best chance.

“I am not saying that I’m going to get to that level, but I’ll try to do everything in my power to move up.”

Ali however, remained focused on the task at hand – with a huge relegation six-pointer against bottom side Edinburgh City coming up this weekend at the Marbill Coaches Stadium, affectionately known as ‘The Rock,” insisting that he and his teammates would be looking up, instead of over their shoulders.

“In terms of coming here, I feel like it’s very important that we win games,” he explained.

“My goal, whilst I’m here, is to get into the playoffs and anything can happen from there.”

Following previous financial difficulties and a summer takeover by eccentric Canadian businessman Mario Lapointe, the club kicked off life back in the bottom level of the footballing pyramid with a wholly new playing squad and a five-point deduction.

A good start, four wins and a draw from their opening six matches has been curtailed with a run of just two wins in 14 since, and added to that a shock Scottish Cup exit to sixth-tier side Auchinleck Talbot, contributed to the departure of former boss Stevie Farrell and his replacement with Frank McKeown, his assistant of five years.

The new boss, Omar said, was the one who made the move happen.

Asked how a player with such experience found himself playing football in West Dumbartonshire Ali said: “So, the gaffer reached out to me a couple of weeks ago and he said that there’s an opportunity at this football club.”

It was something that caught his interest, and Omar, who had recently left English National League South side Farnborough following a productive couple of years in Northern Ireland, made the seven-hour drive north.

When asked what the Sons fans can expect from him and how he plays the game he said: “I’m very aggressive, I love to win my headers and I just love defending.

“I could bring leadership to this team. I could also bring a different energy into the group and will put up a fight every weekend to hopefully win some football games.”

Dumbarton’s January rebuild is not limited to one star signing however, Josh Todd marked his second debut following his return to the club with a goal against Elgin, edging out Ali for the man-of-the-match award.

The club have also recruited former Kilmarnock and Ayr United winger Aaron Brown, who looks to add to the attack what Omar aims to at the back.

Added to that is former FC Nurnberg midfielder Tobi Joseph who has said he wants to “get on the ball and just help the people in front of me to score goals and really highlight their abilities,” stressing his willingness to be a team player.

And a team effort is exactly what is required for one of Scotland’s founding clubs, as they look to climb the table and reignite their season, with Ali sparking the flame from the backline.