Lions boss Holt backs Hardie to hit goal trail

LIVINGSTON boss Gary Holt admits Ryan Hardie has an “unnatural” style – but is adamant the Rangers loan star is a born goalscorer.

The 21-year-old has been a frustrated observer during the Lions’ stunning start to the Premiership campaign, having endured more than four months on the sidelines following foot surgery at the tail-end of last season.

However, in a further boost for Holt’s shock troops – sitting third in the Premiership after three successive wins – Hardie climbed from the bench in Saturday’s 1-0 triumph over Hamilton for his first outing this term.

The rangy Gers kid scored eight goals in 17 appearances to help Livi secure a second-place finish in the Ladbrokes Championship last season before they won promotion via the play-offs.

And Holt fully expects Hardie (above) to hit the goal trail in the top flight.

The Livi boss said: “Ryan is a goalscorer – you’d maybe say his style is unnatural, in terms of his gait and shape – but he is a finisher and his record last season speaks volumes.

“I don’t think that style is something you change, it’s something you work with. If you try to make him more mechanical or what some people would consider a typical striker then you lose his natural ability. That is something you want to harness.

“We’ll give him freedom, let him express himself and do what he does best.

“He will learn the game, understand what he can offer the team when we don’t have the ball.

“His return is a shot in the arm for everyone.”