The striker struck his second successive Scottish Cup hat-trick, having also bagged a trio in the first round clash at East Kilbride. Hardie’s goals set Burgh on their way to a 5-2 victory over Brechin Victoria at Keanie Park — and Hardie admits he wants to come up against one of the bigger sides in the next round.

He told Gazette Sport: “Hopefully we can get drawn against a side at least two leagues above us.

“That would give us an opportunity to test ourselves against bigger opposition.

“Right now we are doing quite well in the league — but obviously it would be good to see if we can beat bigger teams.” Hardie returned to Keanie Park a few weeks ago having previously decided to leave the club.

A changing of manager ignited his interest in returning to Burgh — and he insists Colin Smith and David Brolly’s appointment was pivotal to him going back to the Central District Second club.

He added: “I decided to go back to play amateur football as I wasn’t really enjoying it before.

“But, when I heard that Colin and Dave were now the managers then I wanted to come back.

“I phoned Colin and he invited me back in and we have just taken it from there.

“Everything seems to working out well. I am enjoying it — and I am enjoying playing.”