Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has admitted he could recall striker Ryan Hardie to Ibrox from loan club Livingston this month, but only if his attacking transfer targets don’t arrive during the January window.
Hardie has been in excellent form for Livi since returning from a long-term injury in December. He’s scored five Scottish Premiership goals in his last five appearances, sparking speculation he could be due for an imminent return to Glasgow.
Gerrard acknowledge this could happen, but only if first-team football is on the horizon for the 21-year-old.
As quoted by The Express, the Rangers boss said of the situation:
“It’s a possibility that we might recall Ryan (Hardie) in January.
What it will depend on is if we’re able to add someone to the squad. If we do that, we’ll probably leave him where he is. But if we can’t make that happen, it’s an option.
He’s a player I like. I haven’t seen too much of him because he’s had a lot of injuries at Rangers. But I’ve been really impressed watching his performances for Livingston. We won’t bring Ryan back not to use him. I’ve got respect for the player and his development. I know he’s enjoying his football at Livingston.
If the decision is to bring him back, it would only be with an eye to using him.”
Although Alfredo Morelos is tearing up the Scottish Premiership this season, it’d be fantastic to have another attacking player full of confidence on the books after the failure of Umar Sadiq’s move from Roma.
Kyle Lafferty has had inconsistent form and a third forward pushing for a first-team place would only be a benefit to everyone.
The ideal scenario here would probably be finding a striker in the transfer market that can come in and add real quality to the squad, but it’s pleasing to know we have the Hardie option in the pocket if we need it.
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