Gary Harkins joins Morton
Morton are delighted to announce the signing of Greenock-born forward Gary Harkins on a one-year contract until 10 June 2018.
The 32-year-old former Partick Thistle, Dundee, and Kilmarnock man recently agreed to join his hometown team and completed the move after securing his release from former club Ayr United.
Manager Jim Duffy has always held Harkins in high esteem and he was thrilled to be able to add the experienced attacking midfielder to his squad for next season.
Duffy told gmfc.net: “Gary is a player I’ve always admired. He’s been at Dundee, Kilmarnock, down south and played at a high level with top players.
“Last year with Ayr United, I still felt that he had that wee bit of class about him. In terms of ability, I don’t think anybody can deny he’s got real quality about him.
“He’s very, very comfortable on the ball; he’s strong; he can play in a number of positions: anywhere from midfield to anywhere across the frontline, and that’s important because we won’t be carrying a huge squad.
“Gary is a player who is blessed with natural ability, and if we can get the right balance in the team, I think he can be a very important player for us next year – a player who can add a different dimension to our game.
“As much as we were terrific last year in terms of our organisation and work ethic, we lacked a wee bit of creativity at times. Hopefully, Gary can improve that side of the team.
“He also gives you a bit of physical presence as well, and that’s always important at any level of football nowadays, that physicality.
“So he gives us that as well, but primarily we’ve signed him because he’s a player who likes to take the ball into feet and link up with players.
“And we’re a young team – we haven’t had too many experienced players over the last couple of years; I think Peaso [Peter MacDonald] was the last one.
“I don’t think it does any harm now and again to add one or two with just a little bit more experience, and experience of the Championship. I’m confident Gary will be a good fit for us and a very good signing for us.”
Image: Jonathan Mitchell
