Ryan Hardie, now with Bolton Wanderers, insists that scoring twice for his boyhood club Rangers remains the pinnacle of his career, even above the moment he knocked Liverpool out of the FA Cup.
The lifelong Rangers fan came through the Ibrox academy and made 17 first-team appearances. His only two goals for the club came during the 2014/15 campaign, including a brace in a 3-1 win over Dumbarton, before a series of loan spells.
A childhood dream fulfilled
Hardie made his move to Blackpool permanent in 2019 and has since scored more than 100 goals in England. Speaking in Bolton's official programme, he recalled joining his cousin on the supporters' bus as a boy.
"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," he said. "I've done it and scored on my full debut - two goals - so I'm really happy with that."
Hardie also named former Rangers striker Nikica Jelavic as his boyhood idol, saying: "I tried to mould myself on him. I liked scoring goals, and at the time when I was watching him, he was scoring the goals."
Liverpool winner comes second
In February 2025, Hardie scored a late penalty to eliminate Liverpool from the FA Cup while playing for Plymouth. Despite that famous giant-killing, it could not displace Rangers from the top spot in his affections.
Asked to name the best moment of his career, Hardie said: "Probably playing and scoring for Rangers, but now the most important thing to me is family."
His son, Arthur, was mascot for the Liverpool match and predicted a 10-0 win with a goal for his father. Hardie added: "I did score the winner and he got to run on the pitch at full-time and I lifted him up. It was just a nice moment."
