Loan Ranger Hardie stoked for Saints Prem push
RYAN HARDIE hopes he can fire St Mirren towards the Championship summit after clinching a loan deal in Paisley.
The striker will spend the first half of the campaign in black and white after becoming the second Rangers kid to join Alex Rae’s side on a temporary switch this summer.
Hardie follows winger Tom Walsh in making the move to the Buddies as he looks to get some match time under his belt in the second tier.
The 19-year-old had a productive loan spell at Raith Rovers last term, but his first-team chances were likely to be limited in the coming months as Mark Warburton’s side bid for the Premiership title.
He will now look to inspire the Saints and help them into contention to clinch their top-flight re- turn and the forward is relishing the chance to get back on the goal trail.
Hardie said: “I’m looking to get some regular game time and obviously score some goals and try to get the club as far up the league table as possible.
“Surprisingly, settling in was a lot easier than I thought as I already knew a few of the boys.
“Tom Walsh is already on loan from Rangers and I know Calum Gallagher and wee Morgy so I knew quite a few of the boys.
“I really enjoyed training this morning and it is good to join up with the team.
“I think the fans can expect to see me running in behind and linking up with players and if I get a chance, to score a few goals.
“Hopefully I can score some goals and improve my all round work-rate as I look to contribute to the forward side of play.
“I got some experience in the Championship last year so coming back into this league will benefit me in my own personal development but for St Mirren the targets are to get as high up the league as possible.
“I reckon we will be one of the main challengers for the top four, if not first place, in the league.”