IT ALL HARKES BACK NOW TO CONSISTENCY
IAN HARKES has helped Dundee United compete with the best – now he insists it’s time for them to do it against the rest.
The American was yesterday named cinch Premiership player of the month for September after several big displays and two decisive goals – a derby winner and one that sealed a point at Parkhead.
The Terrors, under Tam Courts, sank champions Rangers then drew 1-1 with Celtic last weekend.
But midfielder Harkes knows the bread and butter is winning games like tomorrow’s when Ross County head to Tannadice.
The 26-year-old said: “We have to keep the same mentality for this game compared to last week.
“The top six are all playing each other, so we have to focus on what we do and try to get the win.
“The hardest thing sometimes is the motivation is there for the Dundee derby and playing against the likes of Celtic.
“You have to try to be professional and attack each game from the start.
“We can’t get too carried away. It’s still early in the season but we are happy with how we have been doing recently.
“We looked at the Hibs game and were a bit disappointed with ourselves.
“We were put out the League Cup, we are taking strides and then in other games we’re having difficulties. So we have to keep learning and approach games the same way.”
Harkes’ goal streak has been something he has been keen to add to his and United’s game for some time, having checked in at Tannadice in 2019.
He said: “It’s good to help the team with a few goals. We have picked up some important points recently, which has been good.
“I don’t have a goal target but it certainly won’t take much to be my best season. I think my best is two!
“I’m happy to get some important goals recently and it certainly gives you confidence.
“I always want to add goals to my game and it’s nice they are coming right now. But I need to try to keep doing that.
“I spoke to the manager at the start of the season about my best position and trying to get into the final third. It was about trying to get more goals from the same positions I was in last season. I will continue to work on it.
“The system has helped release me a little bit with the way we play.”
Harkes didn’t get long in the spotlight after his glory goal at Parkhead because he was quickly upstaged by wife Sarah, who netted an even better strike for Celtic against Hibs.
Harkes added: “It’s tough as her goal certainly overshadowed mine. It was a brilliant goal!
“She helped Celtic get a win as well, so it was a great weekend for the two of us.
“Since joining Celtic she has got a few goals, she is doing well. We are both happy for each other as we want to both be successful.”