Latics chance excites Harkins

Gary Harkins

GARY Harkins didn’t hesitate when his former team-mate invited the playmaker to cross borders once more.

One of three players to arrive last Friday, the 29 year old from Greenock was the only one of three to enjoy an outing at Anfield.

Harkins showed several neat touches, too, and could — possibly should — have won his new club a penalty in the second half. Instead, referee Stuart Attwell turned down the claim.

The fact that Harkins’ introduction to the fray coincided with Athletic’s best spell of the 90 minutes was no accident, sparking hopes that his loan switch could prove a shrewd move by his former Kilmarnock colleague - Lee Johnson.

“As soon as I got the ’phone call I was itching to get here. I have played at St Mirren this season, but there were one or two little disagreements so I’m delighted to get the chance at Oldham.. I’m really looking forward to the challenge at this level.”

Harkins boasts a quality many of his Boundary Park colleagues lack: experience. Having played on loan for Huddersfield, Bury and Blackpool then on contract with Grimsby, Dundee, Kilmarnock, Dundee again and St Mirren, the midfielder’s know-how could be vital to Athletic’s attempts to pull away from the drop zone.

“I wouldn’t have come down here if I didn’t think Oldham could get out of trouble and push on. I’m really looking forward to the rest of the league campaign now,” said Harkins

SEE Thursday’s Chronicle for an interview with new signing Adam Lockwood.