David set to wing it for Hearts

Published on Wednesday 28 July 2010 12:32

IN full flight, David Templeton is a joy to behold. Just ask Calum Woods, the Dunfermline defender still hot from a first-half roasting by the Hearts winger on Tuesday evening. In the absence of the injured Andy Driver, it must be hoped Templeton's performance at East End Park was a portent of things to come. He certainly thinks so.

Tonight at the Priestfield Stadium in Gillingham, he will prepare an encore as auditions continue for a place in the Hearts team ahead of the SPL kick-off on Saturday, 14 August.

Manager Jim Jefferies has outlined the need for attacking craft in order to dispense with a goal-shy reputation which has lingered around Tynecastle for more than two years. Templeton certainly fits the bill as a traditional wide player in the tanner ba' mould. In fact, stick him in a thicker jersey, longer shorts and hand him a heavy, brown leather football and he would be quite at home in the 1960s. However, this is 2010, an era when pace and the ability to make quick decisions are essential for any winger.

Competition for places is intense even without Driver, therefore Templeton needs an impressive follow-on from his display against Dunfermline. Suso and Arvydas Novikovas are waiting in the wings, so to speak, for any slip-up.

Gillingham, relegated to England's League Two in May, will provide a stern test with a few uncompromising characters like the well-named full-back John Nutter. But Templeton believes he is on a roll following Tuesday's tantalising performance.

"There's definitely a lot more to come," he told the Evening News. "That was only my first game of pre-season. If I play a few more matches and get into it, then I'll do a lot better. I need more starts. The manager said I played well and it was good to hear that as it gives you confidence.

"I was really happy because I was seeing a lot of the ball in the first half. As a wide man you like to get a lot of the ball to get going at the full-back.

"In that respect, it was great, but in the second half I didn't get as much joy on the left. It wasn't till I moved over to the right that I started getting the ball again. Obviously, I managed to put in the cross for Calum Elliot's goal.

"I was playing as an old-fashioned winger and was told just to stay out wide. There was so much space for me so, every time the central midfielders had possession, I was on for a pass. If we play like that next time then I'd be more than happy." The result certainly wasn't to his liking, a 3-1 defeat baring several deficiencies which Hearts must address before St Johnstone visit Tynecastle on the season's opening day. Templeton, although only 21, is mature enough to remain philosophical and examine the principal factors for losing to a First Division side.

"That was our first real game, whereas it was Dunfermline's seventh, so that made it really hard for us," he explained. "I think it showed in the second half that they are a bit further ahead regarding match practice. The fitness did show. We were tired at the end but the more games we play the fitter we'll become. I'm sure we'll come good."

Two tough assignments in the south of England will only steepen the learning curve ahead of yet more high-profile friendlies against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers next week. After Gillingham this evening, Hearts visit the New Den on Saturday afternoon where they will confront Millwall in Neil Harris' testimonial.

Templeton is out to cement his place in the starting XI, either as a right winger or left. It was from the left he created most havoc against Dunfermline despite being predominantly right footed. "I don't really mind, right or left," he said. "I like the left because I can cut in and have a strike at goal with my right foot.

"I can cross with either foot so I'm suited no matter where the manager plays me. I'm not too fussed where it is.

"I want to improve my match fitness. Tuesday night was only our first real game so we're looking to improve. Gillingham will have more experienced players and playing in front of their crowd will be enjoyable.

"It's better to have real testing games in pre-season. You're coming up against quality players and it gives you an opportunity to prove yourself. Gillingham and Millwall will be hard games for us, but every game is hard when you are still searching for match fitness.

"We have two games down here so maybe coming into the Wolves game on Tuesday we'll be a bit fitter."

Driver's eventual return to fitness will likely see Templeton usurped for the left-wing slot and Jefferies has already stated his intention to rest the younger element within the Hearts squad to avoid burnout. "It will be frustrating if I'm not involved but, as long as I'm doing well, I'm sure there will be no reason to leave me out," said Templeton with the kind of confidence every winger needs.

"I like the competition. It makes you play better, knowing someone can come in and take your position if you don't play well. I prefer it that way. I think it will be hard for the manager to choose if all four of us are doing well, but I suppose that's good for the team if we're all on form.

"I don't have a specific number of starts in my head that I want to achieve this season. I'd just like to be involved as much as possible. If I could play every game then that would be great but, obviously, that may not happen. I want to progress and prove myself to the manager."

He totalled 17 appearances for Hearts last season, making the starting line-up on seven occasions. With "more to come" by his own admission, it's a safe bet Templeton will bypass that tally this time round.