After a match defining contribution in his first start of the season for Livingston on Saturday, Rangers loanee Ryan Hardie, was buzzing.
His well-taken finish against St Mirren, signalled the end of a long period blighted by injury.
The games come thick and fast at the minute though. Three days later, and Livi were back in action away at Aberdeen.
Hardie had missed a significant period through injury, therefore, it wasn’t a surprise to see him amongst the substitutes for this one. Rushing a player back with too big a workload, too soon, can be disastrous.
However, what was curious, was manager Gary Holt’s decision to leave him there.
The Lions led 2-1 at one stage, but they were pegged back to 2-2 in the 57th minute, by a Sam Cosgrove goal.
No opportunity to impress for Hardie
It may have been understandable that Hardie didn’t get a look in, had Holt decided to shut up shop and hold out for the point.
Yet, the manager made two further substitutions after the equaliser, introducing fresh attacking options on both occasions.
Ex-Partick Thistle man, Steven Lawless, came on, as did 18-year-old striker Jack Hamilton. The latter has only registered one goal in ten appearances this season, yet he still got the nod ahead of Hardie.
It definitely seems a strange move to deny a confident Hardie the chance to make an impact in the circumstances. If Holt was concerned about Hardie’s fitness, he wouldn’t have included him in the squad. Therefore, the decision must have been tactical.
It will have been disappointing for the 21-year-old, especially as Livi went on to lose the match 3-2.
However, they have the chance to put it right against Hearts on Friday night, and Hardie will hope to be leading the line once more.
