MARK Yates has given Johnny Harkness a vote of confidence despite hauling the left-back off at half-time during Tuesday night's defeat at Halifax.

Harkness was replaced by Michael Blackwood at the Shay after being given the runaround by winger Danny Forrest and making a mistake for the first goal.

But although the manager has hinted at persisting with Blackwood in the left-back berth against Grays on Saturday, he has not ruled out a return for Harkness.

"I thought Johnny was good for 25 or 30 minutes but then he struggled with their wide right player," said Yates.

"Michael came in and did an excellent job in the second-half to keep Forrester quiet.

"It was not meant to be a blast at Johnny it's just that their lad had the beating of him and his head dropped.

"As for Michael, that could be his position because not many people beat him for pace or strength and we'll have to have a look at him there."