In response to goalkeeper Jay Hogarth’s suspension from playing against his parent club Rangers in the Scottish Cup on Saturday, Dumbarton manager Stevie Farrell has called on the SFA to reconsider its regulations.

Hogarth, who transferred from Ibrox to The Rock until the rest of the season earlier this month, was to play in this weekend’s fourth-round clash, according to an arrangement negotiated by Dumbarton and Rangers.

Since making his transition, Hogarth has started the League Two team’s past two games against Peterhead and Bonnyrigg Rose. Brett Long broke his ankle during training and was sidelined for several months.

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Farrell had hoped the 20-year-old, who has played twice for Scotland’s Under-21 squad, would be able to participate in Saturday night’s live, televised showdown at the Dumbarton Football Stadium against the Premiership’s biggest clubs.

Rangers had given him the all clear. But according to SFA Handbook regulation 12.3, “the player concerned shall not be eligible to play in the competition against his parent club during the term of a temporary transfer.”

According to Farrell, the governing body ought to amend its regulations to enable young, talented football players to experience crucial cup matches while on loan at lower league teams in the future.

“Whether you believe it or not, both clubs gave Hogarth permission to play,” Farrell remarked. When Jay Dumbarton of the Rangers played on Saturday, there was no problem.

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But he can’t play because of the regulations. A player is not permitted to compete in a cup tie against their parent club under the regulations of the governing body.

“I believe it should be reassessed because, in the end, Jay’s development is what matters, just like that of any other young player coming from a Premiership or Old Firm club.

“Experiencing major games and cup ties is important because, in the end, he will return to his parent club with more experience. It’s something that should be investigated, in my opinion.