The English League one side are managed by Lee Johnson, who Harkins played alongside at Kilmarnock a few years ago. He arrives just in time to feature in Sunday's FA Cup clash with Liverpool at Anfield - not a bad place to make your debut!
Harkins joined Saints in the summer on a two year deal - with an option for a third - after leaving Dundee. The much travelled midfielder was a regular started early in the campaign, but was dropped to the bench as we changed our system and rarely got a look in during our good run of form. He scored two goals in 17 appearances for us but we won just once when he started - last month's Scottish Cup replay against Queen of the South.
While Harkins could return to Saints - he does still have at least a year left on his contract - that seems unlikely, manager Danny Lennon today questioning the 29-year-old's work rate. Hardly something to say in public if you expect to work with him again!
Follow Mirren Mad on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/mirrenmad
Follow Mirren Mad on Twitter @mirren_mad or http://www.twitter.com/mirren_mad