MORTON midfielder Gary Harkins is calling for a carbon copy performance when Allan Johnston brings his Dunfermline Athletic side to Cappielow this weekend.

The teams met at East End Park just 10 days ago in the fourth round of the William Hill Scottish Cup — with Jim Duffy’s side running out 2-1 winners to set up a fifth round clash at home to Dumbarton.

But this weekend’s clash is for precious league points and Harkins is hungry for a home win.

And he believes the performance levels shown by Ton during their sensational 3-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice can inspire them to another positive result.

The 33-year-old said: “They’re a good side. We played them at home earlier this season and they were 2-0 up and cruising.

“But we came back and ended up winning the game. 

“They are a good team, so we need to show the exact same work-rate and desire to win that as we did on Saturday at Tannadice.”

Ton moved up to sixth spot in the table after Saturday’s win but Harkins and co also handed table-topping St Mirren a real helping hand as well. St Mirren’s 2-1 win over Dunfermline at East End Park on Friday night, allied to Ton’s magnificent weekend victory, means the Paisley Saints enjoy an 11-point lead at the top of the division. 

But Harkins has warned his former Buddies colleagues that the destiny of the SPFL Championship title isn’t a done deal.

Harkins, who spent a year at St Mirren, before going on loan to Oldham Athletic, insists there’s plenty more twists and turns to come before any champagne corks are popped.

He told Tele Sport: “St Mirren are on a great run but United and Dunfermline could go on a run like anyone else and catch them. It’s a great league, always has been, and anyone can beat anyone. It should be a good run-in. When we played Dundee United at Cappielow, I thought they were the best team we’d played this year.

“[Scott] Fraser was outstanding, [Fraser] Fyvie was outstanding and that shows you what they are missing. They are missing a couple of players and don’t look the same team without them. They were not anywhere near their best [on Saturday] but we capitalised on that.”

Harkins played a key role in Saturday’s win, pulling the strings in midfield, and Ton boss Duffy has told how the well-travelled ace is enjoying his football once more.

Duffy said: “Gary’s a quality player and he’s enjoying his football and I think when you are enjoying your football you can express yourself. He’s always had that quality and talent. 

“But sometimes he’s maybe just lost his way a little bit. In the last few months for us he’s probably been one of our most, if not the most, consistent players.”