RYAN HARDIE has thanked Rangers' experienced stars for helping him on the road to first team glory after his dream day at Dumbarton.

The 18-year-old replaced the injured Kenny Miller in Stuart McCall's starting line-up for the Sons clash and made the most of his chance to impress as he bagged a brace to clinch a crucial Championship triumph.

Hardie pulled Rangers level after Mark Wilson had opened the scoring for Ian Murray's side and then put them into the lead before Haris Vuckic clinched the points.

Boss McCall pitched the forward in ahead of Kris Boyd and Dean Shiels at the Rock and Hardie admits the words of wisdom of his team-mates have been welcome.

He said: "When I was growing up, Kris Boyd was my boyhood hero.

"I had pictures of him in my room. I am just ecstatic to be playing in front of him.

"Kris has been very supportive of me and helped me through and given me a few pointers.

"The same with Kenny Miller and big Jon Daly as well - and the captain, Lee McCulloch, has given me a lot of confidence.

"It was never a target for me at the start of the year.

"The target was just to play regular football for the Under-20s, but it's just amazing to play for the first team from the start."

Hardie was not the only Murray Park kid to play their part in Saturday's success, with midfield pair Andy Murdoch and Tom Walsh also handed starts at the Rock.

And the striker is pleased to see McCall giving his promising talents a chance as all three impressed the Light Blue legions.

He said: "The gaffer is obviously looking to the future and to use some of the young lads.

"It is good to get a chance and I'm delighted to play for Rangers. I hope to just keep being involved in first-team squads."