Harkins lovin’ it at Latics

GARY Harkins (left) has been a huge hit at Boundary Park since his loan move from St Mirren.

GARY Harkins is open to staying at Athletic beyond the loan which expires at the end of the season.

The St Mirren man has had a major impact during his short time at Boundary Park.

Since making his debut as a substitute against Liverpool at Anfield, a series of good performances have seen him nail down a starting spot on left midfield.

Harkins has quickly assumed the role of the team’s main creative force. The ex-Partick, Dundee and Kilmarnock man even chipped-in with two goals in the 5-4 win over Peterborough.

With Athletic’s supporters clearly loving the laid-back skills of the tricky Harkins, he admits he would be open to making the move permanent if an agreement can be reached with the Buddies, where his contract until the end of next season.

“I don’t want to go and sit in the stand again, so I would be happy to stay, yes,” he said.

“I am loving my time here and I don’t know what will happen at the end of the season. It is something I would definitely look at doing, if I was wanted.”

As one of the first names on new manager Lee Johnson’s team sheet, Harkins says the support shown him by supporters and manager has had an impact on his performance.

“It is a lot better with the fans behind you than not. It has been great and I am delighted with the response I have had,” said Harkins, who lives in Preston.

“It was great for me right away to know the gaffer rates me and believes in what I can do. It is a big lift.”

His impact is clear but for his manager, the key is to keep applying the pressure.

“Gary Harkins will win you games and he will lose you a couple as well, no doubt about that,” said Johnson, his former Killie team-mate.

“There is no doubt that he has genuine quality and I think everyone has seen that now. He’s one we have to constantly keep on top of to keep him at his best.”