Instead, Che Adams, Lyndon Dykes and Lawrence Shankland were selected having regularly featured in recent national team squads. But Foster has urged Hardie not to give up on a surprise call-up having netted 13 times for Argyle this season across the Championship and FA Cup. On BBC Radio Devon, Foster explained: “I think this is the first time he’s come under that real consideration. “I’ve said to him the weekend’s not over, strange things can happen in football, and if he can perform well at the weekend and perhaps something happens to one or two of the players in the group, he could be the next one in. “That’s how he’s got to look at it, he’s got to remain positive. “He’s a proud Scotsman and it would mean the world to him to represent his country, and we hope he does get the opportunity as an Argyle player to do that.” Foster added: “There’s been contact between the SFA and ourselves around all the normal stuff that the FA tends to ask for – in terms of his physical numbers, some of his data and then some of the more personal stuff, making sure that he’s got everything he needs if he was going to a tournament in the summer. “He’s in the mix, which is great, and that’s due to him and his hard work, he’s just got to continue that hard work and hopefully he gets an opportunity.” Hardie progressed through the Rangers academy and played 13 times for the Ibrox club before moving to Blackpool and then onto Plymouth Argyle. The striker also spent time on loan at Raith Rovers, Livingston and St Mirren in Scotland before moving down south.

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