Canning tips star man Templeton for Scotland

MARTIN Canning has tipped Hamilton ace David Templeton to re-ignite his Scotland dream if he maintains the form which won him his Player-of-the-Month prize.

The Accies boss has been thrilled with the former Hearts and Rangers playmaker’s return to form after shaking off 21 months of injury hell.

Templeton was handed November’s top performer award after netting against both Aberdeen and Rangers as his side completed the month undefeated.

His displays are reminiscent of the showings he produced during his Tynecastle days when he was first tipped for Scotland honours.

Now Canning — who also claimed the Manager-of-the-Month prize after his side beat Rangers at Ibrox for the first time in 91 years, on top of decent draws against Aberdeen and Hibs — says there is no reason why the 28-year-old cannot finally land his long-awaited call-up.

“You never know what can happen in football,” he said. “It’s about form and how you’re playing at the time.

“For Temps, right now his main task has to be making sure he stays fit and continues to work hard both on and off the pitch to ensure he stays at his best.

“He also needs to maintain the focus that has got him into this form because he will know more than anybody these things can come and go and you find yourself back in a dark place quite quickly.

“Hopefully, if he can do that, he can continue to kick on.

“But there is no doubt he has the ability level to be an international footballer. If you look at his qualities, his feet are ridiculously quick, he makes good decisions on the ball, he’s a threat every time he gets it.”

Neil McCann