MARK WARBURTON admits Rangers kid Ryan Hardie could head for the Ibrox exit door on loan during the January transfer window.

The striker has been a regular feature in the Gers’ first team squad this term but has only made four substitute appearances for Warburton’s side.

Hardie recently signed a new deal to keep him at Ibrox until 2018 but he could be sent out on loan to gain vital first team experience in the second half of the season.

Warburton said: “There is lots of interest and lots of clubs want Ryan Hardie.

“He is a prodigious young goal scoring talent. He is 18 and has been around our first team squad.

“We have to see what business we do. It is a balancing act to make sure you have the strength and depth in the squad without hindering the progress of a young player.

“If we get the squad right, then maybe there is an option for Ryan. We will wait and see.”