Battle to keep Ryan
Holt’s concern that loan deal will end
Holt wants loan-star stay
Livingston boss Gary Holt says he hopes to keep striker Ryan Hardie at the club for the remainder of the season - but admits he’s powerless to stop Rangers taking him back to Ibrox.
The on loan striker has been in stunning form since his return from injury as he netted his fourth goal in just three Premiership starts in the draw away to Hibs at the weekend.
But, with the 21-year-old having spent eight months out with an ankle injury, Holt believes it’s best for everyone if the hitman stays in West Lothian and gets regular first team action.
He said: “We won’t be sending him back, it’s as simple as that.
“I think Rangers will be happy that he’s playing games. We have to remember that he’s been out for eight months so we’re reaping the benefits of having him and giving him a platform to play.”
He added: “Ryan’s a massive asset to us. We’ve been fortunate that we have had guys who can step in and do it for games, but to have a natural goalscorer is crucial.
“He said the keeper made it easy for him on Saturday. I’m thinking it’s a great goal and he sees it as easy, that is testament to someone who is a natural number nine and who thrives off scoring goals.
“Maybe what he does defensively for us could be a little better but he just says put the ball in front of the goal and I’ll score and I can’t really argue with that.”
The striker himself admits being out on loan to a club in the same division is a strange experience and says he just wants to play football and score goals.
He commented: “It’s hard because Rangers are in the same league. I supported them as a boy and really want them to do well, but when I’m playing all I think about is getting the three points for Livingston.
“I’m here until January just now but there’s the option to extend and we’re going through the process of figuring out what’s best for me.
“I’ve just come to Livingston and tried to concentrate on doing what I do best and that’s scoring goals. The main aim is for me to show that I can do it in the Premiership and I’ve only had three starts.
“It’s important for me to get as much game time under my belt as possible. I’m here to prove my worth.”