Ryan Hardie’s resurgence at Plymouth Argyle is a testament to the power of confidence, tactical adjustments, and perseverance. The former Rangers striker, long seen as a “streaky” player who could blow hot and cold, has exploded back into form in recent weeks, playing a crucial role in both Plymouth’s Championship survival fight and their stunning FA Cup victory over Liverpool. His recent goal-scoring spree, coupled with his renewed sense of belief, has been nothing short of remarkable, and it raises intriguing questions about what the future holds for him—both at club and international level.
From Goal Drought to Goal Machine
Hardie’s transformation under Plymouth’s new head coach, Miron Muslic, has been one of the most intriguing developments in the Championship this season. Just a few weeks ago, the Scottish striker was enduring one of the toughest spells of his career, having gone a staggering 18 games without finding the net. Strikers thrive on confidence, and when the goals aren’t coming, that confidence can quickly erode. Hardie looked like a player struggling to rediscover his spark.
Then came February 1st. In a crucial clash against West Brom, Hardie ended his drought in style, scoring twice in a late burst that secured a much-needed victory for his side. That performance didn’t just lift Plymouth—it reignited something in Hardie himself. Since then, he has been on an unstoppable run, netting five goals in his last three games, including a decisive winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup and a brace in a dominant 5-1 thrashing of Millwall.
A key factor in his resurgence has been Muslic’s tactical shift. Instead of playing as a traditional center-forward, Hardie has been deployed in a wider role on the right, where his pace, movement, and ability to stretch defenses have been utilized to devastating effect. His goals against West Brom and Millwall both came from runs into the channels, allowing him to exploit space and get into dangerous positions. This subtle change has allowed him to play to his strengths while also opening up new avenues for Plymouth’s attack.
Teammate Mustapha Bundu has been quick to acknowledge Hardie’s impact, stating:
“Ryan has been on fire in the last few games. I’m happy with that—if he’s scoring and making us win games, then we all benefit.”
Hardie’s revival is not just about goals—it’s about the energy, movement, and confidence he brings to the team. His ability to drag defenders out of position, make clever runs, and finish with composure has given Plymouth a crucial edge at a pivotal point in the season.
FA Cup Heroics: A Night to Remember
While Hardie’s league form has been impressive, it was his performance in the FA Cup fourth round against Liverpool that truly put him in the spotlight. Facing a side with world-class talent and managed by Jurgen Klopp, Plymouth were given little chance of causing an upset. Yet, inspired by Hardie and former Rangers defender Nikola Katic, they produced one of the biggest shocks in recent FA Cup history.
Hardie’s goal—a cool, composed finish—gave Plymouth a priceless lead, and from that moment on, they defended as if their lives depended on it. At the heart of that defensive resilience was Katic, who put in a performance for the ages. The Croatian center-back was an absolute rock at the back, making an astonishing 17 clearances and putting his body on the line time and again. He even lost a tooth in the process, but that only served to highlight the sheer determination and commitment Plymouth displayed on the night.
Katic’s warrior-like performance was a throwback to classic, old-school defending—brave, uncompromising, and relentless. His efforts ensured that Plymouth’s slender lead remained intact, and when the final whistle blew, the celebrations were wild. Not only had they dumped Liverpool out of the competition, but they had also earned themselves a dream fifth-round tie against Manchester City.
For Rangers fans, watching Hardie and Katic excel on such a big stage must have been bittersweet. Both players had their moments at Ibrox but never fully established themselves as key figures. Now, they were making headlines in England while Rangers themselves were enduring a nightmare of their own.
A Nightmare at Ibrox: Rangers’ Scottish Cup Humiliation
While Hardie and Katic were basking in FA Cup glory, Rangers were suffering one of the most humiliating defeats in their modern history. Facing Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup, Philippe Clement’s side were expected to cruise to victory. Instead, they were stunned.
Trailing 2-1 deep into stoppage time, Rangers were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a last-minute penalty. James Tavernier, normally so reliable from the spot, stepped up—but his effort was saved by Queen’s Park goalkeeper Calum Ferrie. The final whistle blew moments later, and Rangers had been dumped out of the Scottish Cup by a team they were expected to beat comfortably.
The contrast between Plymouth’s triumph and Rangers’ disaster could not have been more stark. While Hardie and Katic were celebrating against Liverpool, Rangers fans were left in disbelief at their team’s shocking exit. It was a night that summed up their topsy-turvy season—moments of promise followed by crushing disappointment.
Could Hardie Earn a Scotland Call-Up?
Given his current form, it’s natural to ask whether Ryan Hardie could force his way into the Scotland squad. At 27, he is entering his prime years, and his ability to play in multiple attacking roles could make him an intriguing option for Steve Clarke.
Scotland’s forward options include Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes, and Lawrence Shankland—all of whom bring different qualities to the squad. While Hardie may not yet be a regular in the conversation, his recent performances suggest that he is at least worthy of consideration.
One factor that could work in his favor is his adaptability. His ability to play in a wider attacking role and make intelligent runs into the channels gives Scotland another dimension in attack. If he continues to score goals and perform at this level, it would not be a surprise to see Clarke take notice, especially with Euro 2025 qualification matches on the horizon.
What Next for Hardie?
Regardless of whether he earns a Scotland call-up, Hardie’s future looks bright. If he continues his current form, he could attract interest from bigger clubs in the Championship or even the lower reaches of the Premier League. His pace, movement, and finishing ability make him a valuable asset, and Plymouth may find themselves fighting to keep hold of him in the summer.
For now, though, his focus will be on keeping Plymouth in the Championship and potentially writing another chapter in their FA Cup fairytale against Manchester City. If the past few weeks have shown anything, it’s that football is unpredictable—and Ryan Hardie is proving that, with the right confidence and the right system, he can be a serious attacking threat.
His story serves as a reminder that careers in football can take unexpected turns. Just a few weeks ago, he was in the midst of a miserable goal drought. Now, he’s a man in form, a key player for his club, and a potential wildcard for the national team. If he keeps this up, the sky’s the limit.