Rangers have left behind the darkest years of club’s history and were back in the top tier of Scottish football a couple of seasons ago. They were on a mission to reclaim the lost throne and reconquer the Premiership glory defeating Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic, but the age-old rivals raised their standard significantly in all these years and humiliated the Gers time and again whenever these two Glasgow rivals locked horns in Old Firm derbies.
Celtic, currently on a winning streak of seven successive Premiership titles, seem unstoppable but the Light Blues are hoping to come up with some serious contest this term following the appointment of talismanic Steven Gerrard, the iconic Liverpool and England midfielder, as their new manager.
Gerrard, who spent the final years of his Liverpool legacy during Rodgers’ managerial stint, impressed last season while managing the Reds U18s, and therefore, opted to try his luck in senior management, previously rejecting an offer from Football League outfit Milton Keynes Dons.
Although the Gers underperformed and finished third below Aberdeen for consecutive seasons, Gerrard is unlikely to draw any conclusion regarding the future of his resources and will offer them chances to impress him during pre-season. He will be assessing the academy prodigies as well and the contract extension of youngster Ryan Hardie implies the same.
Hardie, the 21-year-old Gers centre-forward, was handed his senior debut back in 2014-15 and netted a brace on his first start against Dumbarton where he inspired the Glasgow giants to come from behind and script a victory. The boyhood Rangers fan then had his loan terms with Championship outfits Raith Rovers and St Mirren where he notched a few goals, thus earning a significant 6-month loan move to second-tier side Livingston back in January.
He was an instant success as he netted 8 goals and 2 assists in 16 league outings and guided the Lions to earn a Premiership promotion through play-offs. His contract ran out last month at Ibrox, but the youngster has now been handed a one-year deal to stake a claim in Gerrard’s plan and convince him enough to secure a long-term future.
Rangers have a serious scarcity in their striking options as Alfredo Morelos remains the only quality name upfront. Eduardo Herrera has been a massive flop whereas Jason Cummings’ loan deal has not been made permanent as well. Hardie, who represented Scotland in several youth ranks, therefore, must grab this opportunity with both hands (or legs?) to showcase his talent and earn first-team minutes in due course.
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Gerrard has already made some significant transfer business to form a squad competitive enough to challenge the Hoops and uncrown his former gaffer who has made a monopoly in Scottish football. Hardie, thus, must continue the form that he exhibited since January but needs to replicate that in the top tier, having been offered a lifeline to put in place his senior career at Ibrox.
