Ryan Hardie’s return to Rangers has been widely spoken about in recent weeks.
The youngster has suddenly rose to prominance once more in what’s been a real purple patch of form for him at Livingston. This has seen Hardie net four goals in his last three matches against St Mirren, Hearts, and Hibernian respectively.
The Rangers loan-star has been impressive, and looks to be the goalscorer that Livi have been missing. A cruel start to the season saw Hardie miss out on the first four months of the season. If his recent form has been anything to go by, however, then he’s keen to make up for lost time.
Meanwhile, Rangers are looking for a third-choice striker. Someone who could also lay down a challenge to Kyle Lafferty, and be a capable replacement if Alfredo Morelos is ever injured or suspended.
There’s been no shortage of forwards having been linked with the club. Dominic Solanke, Tom Eaves, and Fran Sol have all been discussed in the past. Hardie’s form, however, has thrown up an unlikely discussion regarding bringing him back to Ibrox.
Livingston managaer Gary Holt has claimed there’s nothing he can do to stop Rangers if they come calling. He also stated, however, that he wasn’t ready to give his star forward up without a fight.
Rangers must let Hardie stay
But if Rangers want to protect his long-term development, then he has to stay exactly where he is.
Bringing him back to the club would be a selfish act from Rangers. One that the club hope to fill a gap whilst harming his chances to improve. Hardie is only just starting to enjoy his football again, and is playing week-in, week out.
Should he arrive back at Rangers, he would only ever be third-choice with no chance of competing for a spot in the side. Morelos and Lafferty would continue to play each week, and in a sense Rangers will have cheaped out on their fans.
Supporters want someone with pedigree. Someone they can trust to do some serious damage against other Premiership sides. Hardie, despite his recent form, hasn’t done enough to suggest he can be that man.
Three games worth of goals isn’t enough to make yourself ready for a Rangers return. Rangers fans want better quality in the door whilst Hardie wants regular game-time.
Therefore, neither party would end up satisfied if this agreement came to pass.
