Rangers are set to agree a contract extension with striking prospect Ryan Hardie this week, before loaning him back to Livingston for the remainder of the Scottish Premiership season, as reported by The Daily Record.
Hardie was recalled to the club from loan by manager Steven Gerrard so he could have a good look at the player during the club’s winter training camp in Tenerife, gaining praise from the Ibrox boss.
Although the club made the move to bring in Jermain Defoe rather than give him first-team opportunities, clearly Hardie is rated by the coaching staff.
The Record say he will agree a new deal to take his stay at Ibrox beyond this season, with Livi remaining hopeful of getting one of their stand-out players back for the second half of the current campaign.
Returning from long-term injury in December, the forward has scored an impressive five league goals in six matches, showing he has the ability to make an impact in the top division.
Another few months out on loan will do him the world of good and hopefully ready him for making a first-team push come the summer, when he might have more time to convince Gerrard he is worth a starting spot.