Ryan Hardie: Plymouth Argyle striker backed to end scoring drought

Ryan Hardie's last goal came in the 2-0 win at Middlesbrough on 24 February

Plymouth Argyle striker Ryan Hardie has been backed to end his goal drought.

The 27-year-old Scot has not found the net in eight games as Argyle's form in the Championship has stuttered.

He has 13 goals this season but is on his longest barren run since a goalless final 12 games of last season.

"Like most centre-forwards I've ever worked with they have incredible self-belief and they believe that they will score the next chance," Argyle director of football Neil Dewsnip said.

"They don't always do that of course, but that's what they believe, and Ryan's very strongly in that category. He believes he'll score his next chance."

Argyle desperately need goals from the likes of Hardie as they aim to avoid relegation from the Championship.

The reigning League One champions sacked head coach Ian Foster after a run of eight losses in 11 games as they failed to score in six of those games.

They have taken four points from a possible six under Dewsnip, who is in temporary charge of the Pilgrims alongside first-team coach Kevin Nancekivell, to leave Argyle two points and two places above the relegation places ahead of the visit of Championship leaders Leicester City on Friday night.

"His scoring may well have dried up for now, and that can change tomorrow evening with a bit of luck," added Dewsnip

"He gives us other things as well of course, not just the goals, and he's well respected in the dressing room, so his team-mates, very importantly, believe in him.

"We're all with him and let's hope he does score that next opportunity."