Rangers teenager Ryan Hardie admits debut a 'dream come true'

Teenage Rangers striker Ryan Hardie scored twice to mark a dream debut against Dumbarton - but just wishes his parents had been there to see it.

The 18-year-old marked his first start for Stuart McCall’s side with a brace as helped his team fight back from a goal down to win 3-1 against The Sons.

Hardie, who has been in prolific form for Rangers’ U20 side, revealed he was only told 90 minutes prior to kick-off that he was starting up front in place of veteran Kenny Miller.

"It's a dream come true to get my first start for Rangers and score two goals,” Hardie said.

"Being told I was starting was the best feeling in the world. I was confident I could do well and help the team through to a win.

"My family could not get here and that was disappointing. They tried to get tickets and couldn't - they even tried to get tickets for the home end but they just could not get here.

"I texted them today about 1.30pm to let them know I was starting but my mum and dad phoned to wish me luck. I come from Stranraer but I live here in digs but my family are down there.

"It's disappointing they were not here to see it but I am sure they will see it on Rangers TV."

Mark Wilson gave the Ibrox men a scare when he netted his first goal since scoring an Old Firm winner for his old Celtic side in March 2011 after leaping on Darren McGregor's weak clearance in the second minute.

Hardie levelled the match after 10 minutes as he bundled home at the second attempt, while his second four minutes after half-time was an instinctive over-the-shoulder flick from a Lee Wallace cross.

Haris Vuckic rounded off the victory with a sublime 25-yard shot and Sons boss Ian Murray admitted his side were always up against it.

He said: "I didn't sign Mark for his goal threat but it was always bound to happen with the old Celtic player scoring against Rangers.

"We got off to a great start and showed our intention with our full-back getting on the end of a cross to score with a great strike. But in a way we probably scored too early and it was always going to be difficult for us to hold on.

"I'm just disappointed for Mark and the lads that we couldn't hold on after half-time."

The win moves Rangers four points above Hibernian in the battle to finish second in the Scottish Championship, although the Edinburgh side can close the gap to one when they play Livingston on Wednesday.