Hardie set to return but as a sub against Stoke

STEVEN Schumacher has welcomed the return to full training of Plymouth Argyle striker Ryan Hardie and admitted: "We have missed him."

- CHRIS ERRINGTON

Hardie is set to be named among the substitutes for the Championship clash against Stoke City at Home Park tomorrow after being ruled out of the last four games due to a hamstring injury. Schumacher indicated it would probably be too much of a risk to start Hardie against Stoke after five weeks out, but game time for him as a substitute is a distinct possibility.

"Ryan trained today (Thursday) so it's good to have him back," said the Argyle manager. "He looked sharp in the sessions and lively enough so he will probably be involved in the squad and hopefully we can get him on the pitch. It's probably too much of a risk to start him but we will see if we can get him some minutes." Hardie had scored six Championship goals for Argyle this season and was pushing for a first Scotland call-up prior to suffering his injury during the 3-2 defeat away to Ipswich Town on October 28.

"He's a big part of how we play, especially on the transition when we turn the ball over," said Schumacher.

"He's always threatening in behind.