Harkin | On his derby brace and an ‘amazing’ team performance

Lee Harkin believes the balance of justice has finally swung in his favour having bagged a brace on the road as Wolves under-23s took the spoils in the latest Premier League 2 Black Country derby.

The Northern Irishman put his side ahead against West Bromwich Albion as he reacted quickest to turn home the rebound from a Chem Campbell free-kick, before doubling his tally for the evening as he turned home a Harry Birtwistle cross from inside the penalty area.

Having not recorded the goals his performances had deserved so far this season, Harkin felt justice has prevailed in the win which took the side above their local rivals and into the Division 2 play-off positions.

On three points in the derby

“It was a great team performance. It was amazing. Everyone stuck to their jobs and played the game well.

“We all felt confident going into the game and I felt confident too. But I felt like I needed to get goals because I haven’t been able to score in the past couple of games I’ve played.”

On getting his goals

“Personally, I probably haven’t got what I’ve deserved out of games this season. At the very start of the season, I was coming on as a sub and got chances.

“But I haven’t been able to put them away, so I felt I got justice tonight.”

On being asked to perform a ‘selfless’ role

“I feel like I’m a team player and tonight it was my job to pull the defenders away for the rest of the team, so they could have space.

“But in the end, it worked out well for me because I’ve got myself two goals.”

On being in the right place in the right time

“It is a hard skill to have, and usually I wouldn’t do that, but now I’ve been turned into a striker and that’s a main job for me, to get into the box and follow up on mistakes and try to get myself goals.”

On aims for the remainder of the season

“It’s been amazing the last few months, and we just want to keep following it up and keep going and going for the rest of the season and try to get a place in the play-offs.

“I haven’t set myself any targets, but I’m going to try to get as many as I can. With each game now, I’m just going to try my best to keep going.”

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