Former Hearts boss John McGlynn got me ready for Jambos debut, admits rookie star David Templeton

Jul 27 2008

DAVID TEMPLETON pulled on a Hearts shirt for the first time in Germany last week - and admitted former Jambos coach John McGlynn had made him man enough to do it.

The 19-year-old impressed on his top-team debut in the 6-0 rout of a Rheingau select.

And he reckons a 16-game loan spell at Raith with McGlynn - as well as hours pounding weights in the gym - has readied him for a crack at Csaba Laszlo's line-up.

The Scotland youth striker, signed from Stenhousemuir 18 months ago, said: "Going with John to Raith was a massive help.

"He taught me a lot and playing against men rather than boys helped me physically.

"Seeing my name on the team sheet here proves I made the right decision to jump to a big club at such a young age.

"I needed full-time football to develop my game and my body though. I've been in the gym after training and feel stronger.

"But my feet are on the floor.

I played on Wednesday yet still had to cart the gear on to the van afterwards. I won't forget my job."