FABOI'S BACK IN MIX FOR MURTY
Accies boss: David will thrive on test against old club Gers
MARTIN CANNING reckons David Templeton can return to haunt Rangers after the striker finally banished his injury demons.
The former Gers attacker limped out of Ibrox in May last year amid 21 months on the treatment table.
But the 28-year-old showed signs of being back to his best in Hamilton’s 2-2 draw with Aberdeen 12 days ago, making it two goals in two games.
And Canning is hoping Templeton shows Rangers what they’re missing when he takes on his old club for the first time at Ibrox on Saturday.
The Accies boss said: “Temps is the type of guy who will get a lift from facing Rangers – he doesn’t really get fazed by much.
“He’s still not as sharp as he would like to be albeit he’s arguably back to the level he was when at Dundee United towards the end of last season.
“If we can continue to grow his fitness he will just get better and better. I can see a difference in him. Any player when they are confident you see that difference – and he is no different.
“When you believe you can go and win games, feel you’re fit and can compete for 70, 80 or 90 minutes, which has been his problem for the last two years, then you do get that lift.
“The boys get a lift when on the park with him knowing you have a player of that quality at the top end of the pitch.”
Canning believes there is more to come from the former Hearts players but added: “If he gets back to full fitness then it might be hard to hold on to him. If I’m being honest he’s the type of guy we normally wouldn’t be able to get here.
“If Temps had no issues over the last two years then he wouldn’t be playing for us.
“He’d be at a bigger club either in Scotland or down south with the qualities he has.
“That’s one thing this club has always done – give guys like Temps a wee break when maybe no one else would give them that opportunity. And we’re reaping the rewards.
“If we can keep him fit and kick on from there then there is every chance we could lose him. Hopefully not.
“But myself and the owners as a club would pat him on the back and thank him for his efforts. And I’m pretty sure he would thank us for getting his career back on track.”
Templeton isn’t the only one preparing for a reunion as Canning goes up against his coaching class-mate, interim Ibrox boss Graeme Murty.
He said: “Graeme was on my pro licence so I know him relatively well. He’s a nice guy, a good guy and a proper football guy as well.
“I’ve no doubt he will have confidence in his own ability to go and win the game and secondly to think he has a chance of getting the job.
“His record has been good the two times he has taken over but that’s for them to think about and deal with.
“For us, it’s about making sure we’re focused. And if we can keep our concentration levels high then we’re capable of getting a result.”