Thompson urges Murty to start Rangers striker Hardie

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Rangers face Dundee at Dens Park on Friday night in the Scottish Premiership.

Former Rangers striker Steven Thompson is not shy when it comes to his views on his old side, and he has now told BBC Sport Scotland’s Facebook Live channel that he would like to see youngster Ryan Hardie start against Dundee FC.

The 20-year-old forward is behind the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Eduardo Herrera and Kenny Miller in the striker pecking order at Ibrox under interim manager Graeme Murty.

However, Morelos’ recent form has seen him fail to find the back of the net in his last nine games and Murty hinted earlier in the week that the summer signing from HJK Helsinki could be dropped from the side to face Dundee.

Thompson said it would be nice to see the seven-time Scotland Under-21 international start against Dundee, who has scored two senior goals for the Scottish giants during his 14 appearances.

“Hardie is not a bad shout, it would be nice to see him get a chance,” Thompson said. “He’s proven himself as a young Scottish player when he’s been out on loan a few times although he didn’t have the best time at St. Mirren.

“However, I do like him and I thought he was brilliant when he was on loan at Raith.”

Hardie scored 13 goals while on loan at Raith during the second half of the 2016-17 campaign and is widely considered as one of the best players to come through Rangers’ academy system in recent years.

However, his future may not be at Auchenhowie for much longer, with only six months remaining on his current contract and the January transfer window less than six weeks away.

Hardie could be given a chance under Murty against Dundee, in what is sure to be one of his minimal chance to show he deserves a new deal at Ibrox.