RYAN Hardie admits he is hoping to forge a successful career south of the border after leaving Rangers for Blackpool.

The striker has signed an initial two-year deal with the Seasiders for an undisclosed fee, subject to international clearance.

Hardie came through the youth ranks at Ibrox and went on to scored two goals in 17 outings for the club.

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The 22-year-old also spent time on loan with Raith Rovers, St Mirren and Livingston.

The marksman helped the Lions achieve promotion to the Premiership and returned to the West Lothian outfit last term, scoring seven goals in 13 league starts.

However, the former Scotland Under-21 internationalist is now desperate to make a name for himself at the League One outfit.

Hardie said: “It’s exciting times and I’m looking forward to hopefully pushing the club up the table and seeing how far we can go.

“It’s a new challenge coming down here and it’s obviously going to be different playing conditions, a different way to play and a different style of play.

“I’m looking forward to challenging myself and seeing how I deal with it.”

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Blackpool manager Simon Grayson said: “The club has been monitoring Ryan’s progress for some time and having watched plenty of footage and spoken to fellow coaches and players about him, he’s going to be a good addition who strengthens our attacking options.

“We’re getting him at the right age and have beaten some competition for his signature.”