Duffy wants Harkins to be creative spark for Ton
JIM DUFFY hopes Morton will reap the rewards of Gary Harkins’ attacking talents following his switch to Cappielow this summer.
The midfielder has agreed a one-year deal with the Ton after leaving Ayr United at the end of the campaign.
Duffy’s side will play their first competitive match of the new season when they take on Berwick Rangers in the Betfred Cup this weekend.
Morton will also face Queen’s Park, Motherwell and Edinburgh City before they make the trip to Dumbarton on Championship duty next month.
And boss Duffy has backed Harkins to be a key presence in the final third as the 32-year-old looks to recapture his finest form at Cappielow.
“I spoke to Gary before we brought him to the club and I said to him that I saw him more in a central midfield role, trying to get on the ball and make passes,” he told gmfc.co.uk. “I feel that he’s got that quality.
“I’m not saying we’ll never play him at the top end of the pitch, but I explained to Gary that was the role I saw him playing.
“In our pre-season friendlies, Gary has got on the ball a huge number of times, and that’s what you want from your central midfield player.
“He’s got a bit to learn about the defensive side, although he can play it.
“There might be one or two occasions where he just has to turn the opposition around and take the pressure off the defenders.
“But overall he has been terrific in terms of getting on the ball and controlling the game, dictating how we play.
“That’s what we’ve brought him here for and he’s shown he’s certainly more than capable of doing that.”