With some pundits suggesting that on loan youngster Ryan Hardie should be recalled in the January window to strengthen options for manager Steven Gerrard, the 21-year-old has recently confirmed that he expects discussions to be had, but he hasn’t yet spoken to the gaffer since he made the move out to Livingston.
Having come through our Academy setup, Hardie has two starting appearances to his name at the club along with a further 15 substitute showings and he has returned two goals.
Loan spells with Raith, St Mirren and Livingston have been productive but his most recent spell has seen him hampered with injury and he only had five appearances to his name, but he has returned four goals so is in some good form.
Given Hardie’s versatility on the pitch, he told the Scottish Sun recently that his main focus was in playing games and with his extension still be sorted, as long as the decision taken gives him matches he’ll be happy.
“There are still discussions to be had. I’m here until January for now and there was an option to extend, so we are just going through the process and seeing what is best for me. I haven’t spoken to Steven Gerrard since I came here. I want to play as many games as I can. I want to be playing and scoring goals, whether that’s at Rangers or Livingston, I don’t mind. I have a contract until the end of the season at Rangers, so we will see what happens.”
Given his deal comes to an end in the New Year, it might be wise to bring him back for a bit and let Gerrard cast a closer eye over him as if he doesn’t feel, for some reason, Hardie is for him, a deal could be done then so he doesn’t end up stuck on the sidelines.