Dundee are missing the influence of frozen-out playmaker Gary Harkins, according to former team-mate Leighton McIntosh.
Harkins has been told he can find himself another club, despite still having a year left on his contract, and isn’t even training with the first team just now.
McIntosh, who was part of the Peterhead team that shocked the Dark Blues in the Betfred Cup on Tuesday night, believes the Dens Park men could do with Harkins’ creativity as they struggle to get their season going.
Speaking before news of Kane Hemmings’ sale to Oxford United was announced, McIntosh said: “I think Dundee probably do miss Gary,” McIntosh said.
“He’s the kind of player who can create something out of nothing.
“Gary is ideal when the game is poised at 0-0 – like the other night – to make the difference with a killer pass or something different.
“He’s ideal for feeding the likes of Greg Stewart and Kane Hemmings with through balls from midfield.
“That’s what strikers thrive on and, to be honest, any team would miss a player of his calibre.
“He was always really good to me when I was at Dens, taking me aside and offering me bits if advice.
“As a youngster breaking into the first-team team, I wasn’t the only one who benefited from Gary’s encouragement on and off the park.
“He’s a great player and one the fans really like too.”
McIntosh, who played his part as Jim McInally’s League One outfit won 2-1 at Balmoor, added: “Playing against a Premiership team like them does give you a lift as they’ve still got lots of quality players.
“I felt we deserved the win and this should give us a huge lift for the season ahead- although it’s not as though we were lacking in any confidence.”
