Hearts' Templeton can't wait for Euro debut

Published Date: 26 July 2011
By BARRY ANDERSON
DAVID TEMPLETON is eagerly anticipating his European debut against Paksi on Thursday after enduring the agony of missing Hearts' last continental venture with a broken foot.
Following an impressive performance against Rangers in the opening SPL match, Templeton is keen to test himself on the European stage when Hearts visit Hungary for the first leg of their Europa League third qualifying round.

The winger is certain to start the match, provided he overcomes a head knock sustained at Ibrox, which will mark his first appearance in Europe after he sat out the 2009 encounter with Dinamo Zagreb.

He explained to the Evening News how the excitement is building. "I'm delighted to be playing in Europe because last time we were in the competition I fractured my foot and I missed it," said Templeton.

"I was in the stand for the return game at Tynecastle and it was a great atmosphere. I was gutted to miss it. Getting that chance to play in it this time will be great experience for me.

"Europe is totally different to the SPL. It's a new challenge. You don't know anyone you're playing against, you've no idea what they are like. Away from home you don't know how difficult it's going to be so it will be a massive learning curve.

"I think playing in Europe is just rewards for last season's efforts. Fair enough, we didn't do so well from January onwards but our run up until then meant we did deserve to finish third, especially given some of the teams we beat along the way."

Hearts were due to fly out of Edinburgh Airport this morning but they face an anxious wait to see whether David Obua can beat red tape to face Paksi. The Ugandan's passport expired and he was scheduled to fly to London today to get a quick renewal and a visa before heading to Hungary.

"It is something we have to deal with and something we are working on to resolve," said Hearts manager Jim Jefferies. "Provided he can get things sorted out, he will be with us on Wednesday which won't be a disaster as he will have missed just the one training session tomorrow evening."

Jamie Hamill is available to play, although he is suspended for Sunday's SPL match with Dundee United. Andy Webster and Mehdi Taouil are both struggling with injuries and not expected to fly to Hungary.

Taken from the Scotsman