Raith boss Ray McKinnon is hopeful that if Rangers decide to put striker Ryan Hardie back out on loan next season, they will decide Stark’s Park is the best place for him to further his footballing education.
The Scotland Under-19 star has been farmed out until the end of this season with Rovers and he has netted four times in just six games for the Kirkcaldy side.
McKinnon knows there will be other clubs showing interest in the player for next season but he hopes that with Hardie loving life at Raith, that could be a factor if Ibrox boss Mark Warburton sends him out on loan again.
He said: “Honestly, I would love for Ryan Hardie to be back here next season. I know Ryan is absolutely loving it here and Mark Warburton is delighted with the way things are going for Ryan.
“If he is going out on loan next season, and it comes down to where he wants to be and how much he is enjoying things, then I’d like to think we would be in with a shout.
”We spoke to Rangers after the game on Saturday and they told us that he is loving it at Raith, so hopefully that’s a factor.
“He is playing every week, he’s in a great dressing-room and is scoring goals, so you never know. Hopefully, we are in with a chance.”