DAVID MARTINDALE is delighted to have Ryan Hardie back on board at Livingston after he clinched a loan move from Rangers.

The striker spent the second half of last season with the Lions as he helped David Hopkin’s side secure a Championship play-off berth.

But injury ruled him out of the final clash with Partick Thistle as Livi sealed their return back to the top flight.

Hardie could be reunited with former Ibrox team-mate Kenny Miller as the Almondvale board get set to name their new boss in the coming days.

And acting manager Martindale believes the capture of the 21-year-old is another positive step in the right direction ahead of the new campaign.

He said: “I am delighted to bring Ryan Hardie back to Livingston. From the minute that final whistle blew at Firhill I have been on his back urging him to give us a season in the Premiership.

“To be honest, Rangers have been terrific and very supportive of Ryan coming back to us, so it’s a win-win for both parties. Ryan, to be fair, has always said he would love to return.

“It speaks volumes for the Club as a whole that we have players of Ryan’s undoubted ability wanting to return to and play for Livingston.

“Personally I feel we have built a fantastic squad and one that will be very competitive in the top flight.

“This week will see us announce a new manager and I’m fairly certain that between us both we will have a few more signings to excite the fans. There is a fantastic foundation for the new gaffer to come in and implement his footballing philosophy, without losing the identity we have fostered over the last few seasons.”