BRIAN KERR believes former team-mate Gary Harkins could be the vital spark that lights up Dundee’s season and helps them avoid the drop.
Harkins was a firm favourite at Dens before leaving to chase his SPL dream with Kilmarnock in 2011.
However, the Ayrshire club are now keen to loan him out and Dundee are believed to be edging closer to agreeing a deal with Killie and Harkins that would see him star for Barry Smith’s side until the end of the season.
Kerr previously played alongside Harkins in the Dundee midfield and knows first-hand the sort of impact the playmaker can have.
He said: “It would give everyone at Dundee a massive lift to get Gary back.
“He was a real hit for them the first time and if it all goes through I’m sure he could be just as influential again.
“Gary is the kind of player who relishes whatever challenge is in front of him and he would definitely be up for it.
“He’ll have a lot of good memories from being there before and especially having played an important part in keeping them up in the First Division when they were docked 25 points by the SFL for going into administration.
“Gary has shown he can cut it in the top tier and what he would bring to Dundee would be huge.”
Dundee are at the bottom of the SPL table, nine points behind Ross County.
While many pundits believe that is a perilous situation they cannot escape from, Kerr, who currently plays for Arbroath, is convinced the arrival of Harkins could be the start of a great escape for the Dark Blues.
He added: “It was always gong to be hard for Dundee, as there is a big step up from the First Division.
“You do need that extra bit of quality, which I’m sure Gary could add.
“I know from playing in the same midfield as him at Dens that he’s capable of big things.
“He can turn a game with one bit of brilliance, is strong from set-pieces and provides a goal threat too.
“He’s great in the dressing-room as well so any team would welcome his presence there.”
Meanwhile, Dundee’s teenage striker Martin Boyle has moved on loan to Alloa, while fellow youngster Jamie Reid has been farmed out to Stenhousemuir.