David Templeton admits he is a massive fan of Tom Lawrence after watching him live during his time at Derby County.
The former Rangers attacker used to stay down south and would regularly take in a match with the Wales international catching his eye for the Rams. He is a player who impressed him both technically and with his ability to create and score goals. That form attracted Giovanni van Bronckhorst to bring him north of the border and ex-Hearts and Light Blues ace Templeton is certain he will be a vital player for his former club.
The Wales international has been out injured of late but his club boss revealed previously he could return following the international break. The Ibrox men face a huge clash at Tynecastle this weekend against Hearts as they bid to put pressure on Celtic by going top of the table ahead of their showdown with Motherwell.
READ MORE: Michael Beale tipped for Rangers return as Giovanni van Bronckhorst successor question answered
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On the Rangers summer recruit, Templeton exclusively told Glasgow Live Sport : "He's a very good player. I thought that when he signed. I lived down in Derby so I watched a few of their games when I was down there. I was always impressed with him.
"Very good technically and on the ball, can create changes and score goals. I thought he was a very good signing and started well. It was just unfortunate he got that injury. He will be a big player to get back. He was doing very well before that injury."
Asked how big a result the win over Dundee United was pre-internationals coupled up with St Mirren's victory over the Hoops, he added: "Yeah it was big on the back of the results they had. The fans weren't happy and I am sure the manager wasn't happy. The performances as well as the defeats.
"Against Napoli they looked better until the sending off but against Celtic they looked miles off it, nowhere near the levels they can play. At home to Dundee United they weren't at their best but they managed to get the three points. That could have been a long ten days international break if they had lost that one.
"They are still within touching distance of Celtic. The last thing you want to do is drop points and then they pull away. It would be very difficult to catch them, especially the way they had been playing before St Mirren. It was a big three points for St Mirren first and foremost but for Rangers it was good for them so Celtic don't create a gap. It is still so early in the season. You only need to look at last season. Rangers were ahead and Celtic went on an unbelievable unbeaten run. It is possible to do that."
A number of big questions have been placed at Van Bronckhorst's door in recent weeks including the recruitment and goalkeeping situations.
Jon McLaughlin has missed the last two games and withdrew from Scotland's international squad with Allan McGregor coming in and producing big displays - including some magical moments against Napoli.
Asked who he would go with if both are fit, Templeton was in no doubt over his selection, he said: "For me, I would play McGregor. I said it from the start of the season and I still think he is the best goalkeeper. Obviously the manager made the decision to go with McLaughlin and I would imagine if he is fit he would come back in if he is his No1.
"His [McGregor] form in the Napoli game was brilliant. He's done all he can to try and keep himself in there. The players will believe in the two goalkeepers so it won't matter who plays for them but for me, McGregor is the best option."
On the noise surrounding the summer recruitment drive, he added: "I think sometimes it can take time to adapt to the league. It is a lot more in your face up here. You don't get time on the ball. Especially for [Rabbi] Matondo. He is probably getting used to having time on the ball and getting one on one. At times you are getting doubled up on, it can be difficult. It might just be a case of adapting.
"In terms of [Ridvan] Yilmaz, [Borna] Barisic has been playing really well recently and I think that one is just down to that. The likes of [Malik] Tillman have come in and done well but for others it might just be a case of adapting to the league. So many people have come from down south thinking it is going to be easy up here but they struggle. It is not an easy league and I think a lot of people find that out."
Rangers face a huge game against Liverpool in the Champions League following their clash with Hearts in the capital this weekend.
The Light Blues are yet to get off the mark in the section losing both games with an aggregate of seven goals to zero.
Anfield provides fond memories for Templeton as he gave the Hearts fans a moment that will last a life time during a European tie with the Reds.
He knows the Battle of Britain element adds a different edge, but concedes it will be a really difficult night for his former club. He said: "It will be very tough. Liverpool have been struggling so far this season as well. I think the ins and outs have changed the way they have been playing. They could have all their players back in time to play Rangers. It is going to be a very difficult game.
"These Battle of Britain's, you know what they are like, they are totally different games for any other. It is a game that Rangers will be looking to get something from. I think to try and qualify or even get third in this group they need to get something."
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