Pittman hopes Lions will now get more credit
Livingston captain Craig Halkett believes the return of Ryan Hardie is just like making a new signing.
The 21- year- old striker has netted three times in his two starts since making his comeback following an seven-month lay-off.
The striker, who enjoyed a fruitful spell on loan at the Tony Macaroni Arena last term, underwent two ankle operations and suffered a torn thigh muscle.
And Halkett is thrilled to see his old Rangers teammate back on form, saying: “I’m delighted for Ryan. He has been doing a lot of work with our physios and back at Rangers and I’m really pleased all that is paying off.
“It really does feel like we’ve made a new signing.
“I know Ryan has been itching to get back. From his initial injury back in April he’s had another couple and been really unfortunate but now that he is back he is already showing what he does best – he scores goals.
“You know as long as he is on the pitch he will get you goals. He could have had more on Friday. He hit the post and had a great run and strike in the first half, it’s just unfortunate it didn’t go in.”
While Hardie caught the eye, it was the skipper who opened the scoring in the 72nd minute when he dusted himself down to slot home from the penalty spot after being wiped out by goalkeeper Zdenek Zlamal.
Halkett said: “I don’t remember much about the penalty incident, it was quite a big knock I took but I was on penalties before the game so I had to make sure I got up.”