Source: Team_Talk
Templeton targets title tilt
David Templeton believes Hearts are capable of meeting Vladimir Romanov's ambition of winning the SPL this season.[LNB] Romanov last week replaced Jim Jefferies with new manager Paulo Sergio and tasked the Portuguese boss with bringing success to Gorgie.[LNB]Templeton is confident that, with a fully-fit squad, the Jambos can challenge Rangers and Celtic at the top of the table, despite falling away towards the end of last season - a run which coincided with the loss of team talisman Kevin Kyle.[LNB]Asked if Romanov's aim was realistic, the 22-year-old winger said: "I think we've got a good enough squad to do it.[LNB]"We were close to Celtic and Rangers at one point last season and then we went on a bad run of games.[LNB]"If you look at this season, the old manager (Jefferies) strengthened the squad with some of the players he brought in.[LNB]"A couple have been injured, which has been unfortunate, but I'm sure when we get everyone fit we'll have a good chance."[LNB]Templeton has now played under three different first-team bosses since joining from Stenhousemuir aged 17, indicating the high turnover of personnel at Tynecastle.[LNB]He has enjoyed life under Sergio so far, despite the fact Hearts enter Saturday's match with Aberdeen still chasing their first SPL win under the new man following last week's loss at Motherwell.[LNB]Templeton, who expects to shake off an ankle knock to play against the Dons, added: "It's been really good under the new manager.[LNB]"It's a fresh start for everyone, wanting to impress. We've been working a lot on shape and getting the team working together. I think it showed against Paks. It worked well.[LNB]"It was disappointing to lose against Motherwell but with the sending off (of Ian Black) it changed it. Hopefully we can take this week's training into Saturday and get a good result. All the players are confident we will get a win.[LNB]"This season we've not actually played badly - I think it's just a matter of time before we do get a win."[LNB]Victory over Hungary's Paks in Sergio's first match in charge set up a Europa League play-off against Tottenham, with the first leg taking place at Tynecastle on Thursday.[LNB]Templeton, though, was adamant the focus was on the Dons.[LNB]He added: "Everyone will have that in their mind, but most people are concentrating on doing well on Saturday."[LNB]Templeton recognises he must perform more regularly himself.[LNB]Before Christmas last season, the winger was seen mesmerising defences before struggling in the second half of the campaign.[LNB]He said: "Around November, December I was playing really well.[LNB]"After that it was hard - I was sometimes coming up against two men at a time and found it difficult.[LNB]"For me it's just to try and get the consistency and if I do have two men on me I need to try and find a way to play against that."[LNB]Templeton has also failed to find the back of the net since the 2-0 win at St Mirren on December 29 - a run of 22 appearances.[LNB]He said: "My last goal came back in December I think, so it was a good while ago anyway. The way I play I like to try and get goals.[LNB]"It's a bit frustrating given some of the chances I've had, but I'll just try and take the next one and I'm sure I'll get back on the score-sheet."
