Ryan Hardie hopes familiarity will breed success for him and Raith as he maker his Rovers return.
Hardie has signed for the Kirkcaldy men for a second time on loan from Rangers and came off the bench to a warm reception during Monday’s 2-0 defeat at home to Dunfermline.
It wasn’t the ideal way to start the next chapter in his career but the frontman is optimistic that the return to Stark’s Park will work out for both parties, just as it did in the latter part of last season.
“There were a few other clubs sniffing about but I knew what it was like at Raith from before,” said Hardie.
“So I weighed up the options and picked the club that would be the best one for my development.
“It was easy to get myself bedded in because I know most of the boys here.
“I think I have settled back in very quickly.
“For me, it was good to get back on to the pitch.
“I got a good reception and the Raith fans appreciated what I did last season.
“This is a very, very big six months for me.
“I’m coming up to 20 now so I am starting to get a bit older.
“I’ve still got plenty of time on my side but I am looking to push towards the first team at Rangers eventually.
“This is my third stint out on loan so hopefully after this one I can try and push on at Ibrox.”
Hardie’s last spell out on loan was at St Mirren but being at a struggling club wasn’t easy.
He added: “At the start of the season I looked at the St Mirren team and thought they had one of the best in the division.
“But it wasn’t the best time for myself because I wanted to play more than I did.
“Now I’m just concentrating on doing my best for Rovers.”
