Harkins backed to bounce back

MORTON midfielder Ross Forbes has backed team-mate Gary Harkins to shrug off his sending off against Motherwell and play a starring role for the side this season.

Harkins was shown a straight red card by referee Kevin Clancy at Fir Park on Saturday for a high challenge on ’Well attacker Craig Tanner, but Forbes doesn’t think the setback will affect the experienced midfielder.

“I felt Gary was a little bit unlucky with the sending off,” Forbes said. “It’s one of those that is a bit of a grey area at the minute.

“It’s obviously a blow for us to be missing a player of his quality at any time, but we just need to get on with it and I’m sure whoever comes in will do well.

“I think Gary will be a key player for us this season. You see the quality he has on the ball every day in training, and he’s shown in the first few games that he’s still got it.

“I think it’s unfair that people have a go at him about his fitness. I’ve seen him in pre-season and I wouldn’t say he’s the unfittest player I’ve ever seen, he gives 110% every day.

“He hasn’t missed a day’s training. As soon as somebody labels you with something then it can stick, but when you see him first hand, it’s not the impression you get. I’m sure he will be a real success here.”

The arrival of Harkins as well as Robert Thomson from Dumbarton and the return of Jai Quitongo from injury may relieve some of the attacking burden from Forbes this season.

The 28-year-old rose to the challenge of being his side’s main creative force with relish last season, and he is challenging himself to repeat the feat.

“I wouldn’t say I feel under any less pressure, I put pressure on myself because I want to do as well as I did last season,” he said. “From a team perspective though it’s good to have so many good attacking players. There are a lot of guys now that can chip in with goals.”