Hardie on way back, but Holt won’t rush striker

Livingston manager Gary Holt is looking forward to having a range of strike options after Ryan Hardie made his comeback off the bench during Wednesday’s 2-0 defeat by Kilmarnock.

The on-loan Rangers forward had only played 12 minutes this season before coming on just after the hour mark at Rugby Park, after being hit by ankle and thigh injuries.

With Lee Miller and Italian Rafa De Vita out with long-term knee injuries, Livi had been relying on Dolly Menga up front with midfielder Scott Robinson and 18-year-old Jack Hamilton also being utilised as stopgaps.

Holt said: “It will be great but we have to be careful because he [Hardie] came back and hurt his thigh.

“So we have to take baby steps with him. It’s pleasing to have him back doing what he does well, getting in the box and getting on the end of chances.

“We are unfortunate that’s where we have had a lot of injuries.

“But we are delighted to have him back and are delighted that Lee Miller and Rafa are not far away. That gives us good strike options and different strike options.

“We were probably a bit pigeon-holed with just Dolly fit and then he gets suspended and it’s square pegs in round holes.

“But we didn’t create enough on Wednesday for our boys to score goals. You could have eight strikers on the pitch, if you don’t create enough you are not going to score goals.”

Miller could be back in action before the winter break while De Vita might have to wait longer.

“They are joining in bits and bobs in training but it’s low impact stuff,” Holt added.

“We will maybe get Lee back but it’s a big ask.”