Hardie revels in the adulation of Green Army for his display

RYAN Hardie has admitted the resounding ovation he got from the Green Army after his outstanding two-goal, one-assist display in Plymouth Argyle's 3-1 win against Cardiff City meant a lot to him.

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

The Green Army rose as one when an exhausted Hardie, whose nonstop running had caused Cardiff all sorts of trouble, was substituted in the closing stages.

It must rank as one of the best all-around individual performances seen from a striker in a match at Home Park in a long time, not least because it came in the Championship, and the supporters wanted to show their appreciation as the former Blackpool striker left the pitch.

Hardie touched on that moment when he explained what it had been like working with new Pilgrims' boss Ian Foster. "It has been real good," said the 26-year-old. "I think the most important thing he wants most from his nine is penetration in behind.

"It's music to my ears that. My strength is probably going forward and running in behind. I think you saw (against Cardiff) I made countless numbers of runs in behind and chased down lost causes.

"I think that's one thing that pleases him. He has said it many a time that all you need to do is give your all, and at a club like this if you give it your all you saw the ovation I got when I came off for being really tired! "It's something that I will never forget. It means a lot to us. The fans.