Harkins has the Baxter wow factor — Johnson

Photo: PHOTO BY DARREN ROBINSON

Gary Harkins

GARY Harkins can be Athletic’s new Jose Baxter, says Latics manager Lee Johnson.

The 29-year-old, on loan from St Mirren, has the ability to unpick the tightest of defences while also possessing the potential to frustrate.

“He is a Baxter,” Johnson said of his former Kilmarnock team-mate. “He has got genuine quality, without a doubt, and at times he will frustrate as he can look like a lazy so-and-so.

“But he’s got that one wonder-ball, one finish or a real bit of quality that can unlock something. You saw at Liverpool that nothing fazes him.

“Harkins is a bit of a punt for me, but not in terms of quality as he is probably Premier League in that regard.”