Ryan Hardie’s form at Livingston has taken everyone by surprise, but could a successful Rangers return truly be on the cards?
It’s important not to get carried away with him. He has, however, managed to score three goals in his last two matches as he threatens a serious comeback during his loan spell. It’s hardly sensational form given the short time-frame, but it’s symbolising a mini-revival.
Hardie has spent all season out with an ankle injury. It hampered any chance he had of making a serious impact in the early stages of the campaign. Only now, five months into the season, is he getting his big opportunity with Livi.
For a player who’s missed so much action, his attributes were on full show against St Mirren and Hearts. Showing his clinical edge, he bagged two one-on-ones on Friday night against the Jambos. This came after a clinical finish in the 3-1 win over St Mirren two weeks ago.
At just 21-years of age, it’s important to remember that Hardie still has time to make it at Ibrox. It feels like he’s been around forever, as he’s been on the periphery of the first-team at Ibrox since around four years ago.
Hardie has always been close to a breakthrough
There was a period when he came close to making a breakthrough. The on-loan Livingston forward made six appearances for Rangers during the 2014/15 season. Five of them came in the closing stages of the campaign, as he bagged his only two Rangers goals against Dumbarton.
Ever since, however, loan spells at Raith Rovers, St Mirren, and Livingston have seen him fall out of the first-team picture at Ibrox.
With Rangers currently struggling for goalscorers, however, they could have one in Hardie. He’s a proven scorer with Livi, albeit in the Championship, but has now shown he can do it against Premiership opposition.
There’s still plenty of work to be done if he’s to come back to Ibrox and make an impact. More performances like Friday night are essential, especially against sides up the top end of the table.
If he does keep it up, however, then he should be lined up for a stunning return. This was a Rangers career that looked down the pan in the summer, even after he signed a one-year extension.
Now? We could be seeing the start of what Hardie is all about as he plays for his future.
