Ryan: I owe doc for getting me a game
RYAN HARDIE admits his Rangers recall has been just what the doctor ordered.
The 20-year-old Ibrox striker revealed he has club medic Paul Jackson to thank for talking boss Pedro Caixinha into handing him a first-team breakthrough.
Despite sporting a broken thumb after a collision with an advertising board against Hearts last weekend, the youngster insists he’s ready to lead the line tomorrow against Ross County. He said: “I’m fine to play and the doc has been looking after me in more ways than one at the moment.
“The first time I met the new manager was in the canteen. I walked in and the doctor said, ‘There’s the big goalscorer.’
“That might have stuck in the manager’s mind. The doc and I are quite close and he has seen what I can do.
“He has obviously said to the gaffer so it’s nice to know you have people looking out for you.
“Over the last few years it has been my goalscoring that’s got me noticed so I hope I can keep doing it at a higher level.”
Loan spells at Raith and St Mirren have hardened Hardie’s resolve to become a success with his boyhood heroes and emulate the achievements of some previous Light Blue idols.
The youngster also knows anything less than a consistent string of wins just won’t be accepted as they go for three points in Dingwall.
He said: “At Rangers you need three points every week. Growing up as a fan you understand the frustrations of the supporters.
“I used to watch the strikers like Nikica Jelavic, Dado Prso and Michael Mols. Hopefully I can replicate some of the things they’ve done. My favourite was Prso then Jelavic. You have to aspire to be like these guys.”
GORDON PARKS