Nicky Law has told Rangers team-mate Ryan Hardie to relish his Raith Rovers apprenticeship.

The talented 18-year has been farmed out to the Fife club on a 28-day loan spell to get more game time.

And Law is convinced Rangers will get a much better player in return.

The Englishman had spells on loan at Yeovil Town and twice Bradford City while a youngster at Sheffield United, and he firmly believes his time away will be perfect for his development.

He explained: “Everyone knows Ryan is a great goalscorer, and he has done that at every level he has been at. I think it was important for him to get out on loan and play some games.

“He has been involved this season, but maybe he hasn’t played as much as he would have liked. With Kenny Miller and Martyn Waghorn, and even Nicky Clark of late, it is very difficult for him to get those chances, so it makes sense for him to go out to a good club.

“They are a good side this season and hopefully he gets the game time he needs for his development, and I think that’s important for all the young lads if they are not playing it’s always a great experience.”

And while furthering his development as a footballer, Law believes Hardie will also learn a lot as a person too.

He continued: “For the likes of Ryan, he has been here his whole life and been fortunate enough to have these facilities, and to go out into the real world if you like I’m sure will make him even hungrier to come back here and make a great career for himself at Rangers.

“He is more than capable of it, as people who score goals are so important, and everyone these days is looking for a player just like Ryan.”