Source: Team_Talk
Templeton: Hearts need Old Firm games
The Jambos are close to securing a top-six spot in the SPL, which would guarantee them one more fixture against each of the Old Firm after the split.[LNB]But defeat at Tynecastle in the lunchtime kick-off would provide seventh-placed St Johnstone with an opportunity to cut the deficit to two points with a game in hand.[LNB]Templeton does not even want to contemplate post-split fixtures against the likes of Falkirk, Hamilton and St Mirren.[LNB]The 21-year-old forward believes it is imperative Jim Jefferies' men secure at least a top-half finish after grabbing third place last year.[LNB]"It's massive, especially after where we finished last season," he said.[LNB]"We'd love to be up there with the bigger teams, getting to the split and playing Rangers and Celtic."[LNB]Templeton will be hoping for a rare start after impressing as a substitute in two of his last three appearances.[LNB]He scored his first goal for the club against Hamilton last month and followed that up with a consolation strike in the recent defeat at Motherwell.[LNB]"I've not really had much of a chance," he said.[LNB]"I've come on in a few games and I've scored a couple of goals.[LNB]"It's helped my confidence as well under the new manager.[LNB]"Hopefully, I can get a few more chances under him."[LNB]Templeton is one of a number of young players whose development has been harmed by the scrapping of the reserve league.[LNB]Injuries have also hampered his progress this season, but that did not stop Hearts offering him a new three-year contract this week.[LNB]He said: "This season, I've been unfortunate with injury, so hopefully I can get a few games before the end of this season, then kick on for next."[LNB]Templeton is confident of doing so after watching a number of his former youth-team colleagues being given their chance this term, including in last weekend's Edinburgh derby.[LNB]"There were five who played on Saturday and there were a few on the bench as well," said the forward, who was an unused substitute at Tynecastle.[LNB]"I think it shows we are going the right way with youth."[LNB]He feels the same about the change of tactics since Jefferies returned to the club in January.[LNB]"We play a bit more attacking now with the two up front," said Templeton, suggesting there had been flaws in Csaba Laszlo's approach.[LNB]"Under the old manager, it was just the one up front, with one off.[LNB]"There weren't really enough players supporting the striker."[LNB]Rangers rested a number of first-team regulars for Wednesday night's Active Nation Scottish Cup defeat at Dundee United after playing the final 20 minutes of Sunday's Co-operative Insurance Cup triumph over St Mirren with nine men.[LNB]Templeton said of the match: "I think they'll bring back all their big players.[LNB]"They were obviously just giving their players a rest after the game on Sunday.[LNB]"They went down to nine men so they'll all have been tired."[LNB][LNB] Hearts v Rangers. Click here to bet.
