RANGERS kid Ryan Hardie today paid a heartfelt tribute to his family for helping him realise his lifelong dream to play for the Light Blues.

The 17-year-old forward came off the bench late on in Tuesday night's League Cup match with Falkirk.

And he was involved in the injury-time goal that Ian Black netted to seal a 3-1 triumph and a quarter-final spot.

But the talented teenager admits he would not have had a chance to make his debut if his family had not sacrificed their time and energy to take him on a 160-mile round trip from their Stranraer home to Glasgow three times a week.

Hardie said: "Coming on for the first team at Falkirk was the best feeling in the world. I've supported Rangers since I was a kid so to play for them was a dream come true.

"I have been with the club since I was in the under-13 squad. I've been travelling up the A77 three times a week.

"It has taken a massive commitment from my family. It was very hard at times.

"But my mum, dad, gran and grandad took turns about to drive me 80 miles each way to training and games.

"After all they have done for met it was brilliant that they were all at the Falkirk game to see me make my debut."

Hardie grew up idolising Rangers striker Kris Boyd and admitted he finds it strange to be playing now in the same team as his hero.

He said: "I had a child's season ticket for a few years. Then, after I joined the club, Rangers started supplying me with tickets for games.

"Boydy was here when I watched the team. It is so weird to sit in the changing room with him instead of watching him on the pitch."

Hardie, who has starred for Scotland Under-17s this season, added: "I was injured for a few weeks recently but when I came back I played quite well in Development League games against Aberdeen and Hearts.

"I want to achieve what the likes of Fraser Aird and Lewis Macleod have. I am only 17 but hopefully I can keep it going and get involved more.

"The manager knows what I can do. He told me to go out and prove myself and cement my place in the squad."