Why Ryan Hardie has left 'dream' Rangers return door open as tribute paid to ex-Gers chief

Ryan Hardie didn't quite make the first-team grade at Rangers, but his time at Ibrox was still a "dream".

The striker joined Rangers as a schoolboy, and spent a number of years developing through the Auchenhowie academy system.

He would make his professional debut in a League Cup game against Falkirk in 2014.

From there, however, the striker would only go on to make 17 competitive first-team appearances for Rangers.

Hardie would leave Ibrox permanently in the summer of 2019 to join Blackpool, beginning his career in English football at the same time.

Now with Championship side Bolton Wanderers, Rangers are clearly never too far from Hardie's thoughts, however.

What is Ryan Hardie 'happy' with his Rangers career?

Born in Stranraer, Hardie is a boyhood Rangers supporter.

Across his 17 appearances for Gers, he would score just the two goals, the first of which came on his full debut in April 2018 against Dumbarton.

So, for a boyhood fan of the club, it would be easy to presume that the now-29-year-old would look back on his Ibrox career with a tinge of regret of what he didn't achieve.

But speaking in Bolton's matchday programme via Rangers Review reporter Derek Clark on X ahead of their game with Cardiff on Saturday, it's the opposite.

When asked what team he followed as a child, Hardie said: "Rangers. My cousin went off on the bus every week, so I joined him when I was probably 11-12 years old.

"I've had my dream, to grow up and play for them. Not many people can say they've played for the club they support.

"I've done it and scored on my full debut - two goals - so I'm really happy with that."

There was one individual at Rangers in particular that Hardie admits he owes much of his career to, but who is it?

Hardie pays homage to long-time Rangers servant

In every player's story, there's so often that one individual who sticks out as having held the most belief or importance in their journey to the top.

For Hardie, this person, even to this day, is former Rangers coach Billy Kirkwood.

Kirkwood, now 68 and working as a recruitment chief for Dundee FC, spent time working as a scout, youth coach and loans manager during his many years at Ibrox.

"When I was at Rangers, I was close to getting released once or twice," Hardie said when asked who has had the biggest influence on his career.

"My Under-17s manager, Billy Kirkwood, really backed for me to get the contract, so he was a really good influence for me.

"There were a couple of other coaches there too, but he mainly pushed for me to get that contract."

Hardie could feel there's unfinished business with Rangers judging from these comments.

Currently on loan at Bolton from Wrexham, a potential return to Ibrox at some point in the near future may just be on the cards.