Hardie left Rangers this summer to join Livingston on a season-long loan.
Ryan Hardie finally returned to action for loan side Livingston on Saturday afternoon as the on-loan Rangers striker ended a lengthy spell on the sidelines following a foot injury – and Rangers fans were delighted.
The 21-year-old went on loan to Livi back in the January transfer window and scored eight goals in 17 games as they gained promotion back to the Scottish Premiership, after a play-off win over Partick Thistle.
Target man Hardie suffered the injury in Livi’s last league game of the season before their play-offs against Dundee United and Partick, and had to be operated on in order to correct the issue.
He made his comeback by being introduced as a 15-minute substitute by manager Gary Holt as Livi earned a superb 1-0 win over Hamilton at home, thanks to Steven Lawless’ strike.
Hardie was sent on loan by Steven Gerrard with the former Liverpool captain boasting Alfredo Morelos, Kyle Lafferty and Umar Sadiq as options up front at Ibrox this season – leaving little space for others including Hardie.
But his return will give the Scotland Under-21 international the chance to show he can add to his 17 senior appearances for the Light Blues, by starring for Livi. Rangers fans reacted by wishing their striker well on Twitter.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
