David Templeton was a smart addition, but have Rangers done enough?

As expected, despite Ally McCoist’s plea for around five new faces to be brought in to stiffen competition in the squad, only two additions were added on transfer deadline day.

There was much conjecture that David Templeton was on the radar and the securing of his signature has provided a much needed boost to those bears who felt there was a real lack of creative players at Ally’s disposal.

Templeton may be named after his father’s hero, Super Coop, but the little 23-year old-cannot be considered in this same breath. Having said that, there is no doubting the lads potential.

He offers pace, dribbling skills and is not afraid to shoot when the opportunity arises: witness his strike at Anfield.

Rangers supporters of all ages have been grateful to have the pleasure of witnessing some truly great wingers over the years, ranging from Waddell to Henderson, Cooper to Walters and of course the great Dane that was Brian Laudrup, so Templeton has big boots to fill.

The fact that he turned his back on SPL football at this stage in his career has been questioned, mainly by fans of other teams probably angry and frustrated to see the club they hoped would disappear into oblivion continue to rebuild themselves and attract quality players from their own sides such as Black, Shiels and Sandaza.

Indeed, Heart’s statement that Templeton possesses an attitude problem is a poor attempt at rebuilding bridges with their own disillusioned fans over the departure of Templeton and is frankly embarrassing.

Rumours are also circulating that Templeton, like the others who have chosen to sacrifice the SPL for Third Division football, are doing so in the knowledge that Rangers will be back in the top tier quicker as a result of further league construction.

However, it is in the deepest depths of lower league football where Templeton will be plying his trade for the foreseeable future and one month into the season it is clear that Ally McCoist requires the creative vision that the ex-Hearts player can provide.

Last weeks horror show at Berwick perfectly illustrated how little imagination Rangers seem to have without Shiels.

Now with Templeton on board, McCoist can begin to alter his favoured formation to bring about a fresher, fast paced and more easy-on-the-eye style which should allow them to brush teams aside with ease, particularly at Ibrox.

It is a concern though that there was not more activity in the transfer market in terms of additions to the squad, especially as the Gers gaffer has to work with his existing staff until January 2014.

It was no surprise that Bocanegra opted for a move to La Liga, he has looked shaky in recent weeks and Sebastian Faure will no doubt slot into his preferred position at centre-back partnering Emilson.

Ryan McGowan would have been an excellent signing, as he continues to impress whenever I’ve watched him. With Broadfoot departing it leaves Argyriou, Perry and Cole fighting it out for the right back berth, though the Greek appears to be left footed, Perry looked like a rabbit in the headlights last week and Cole seems to have a history of injury problems.

A midfielder would have been a much needed signing to bolster options in the engine room too, as questions continue to arise over the future of Kyle Hutton.

Much was expected of him this season but he has gone off the radar.

Templeton will probably be tasked with causing opposing defenders troubles on the left wing, a position where Barrie Mackay has flourished so it is to be hoped he won’t be shunted aside.

In an age of false number nines and Christmas tree formations, the notion of playing with two wingers may seem a little old fashioned and twee, but surely it is one Ally McCoist will be sorely tempted to consider especially for home games.

I expect David Templeton to quickly become a fans favourite and provide the service the front men have been crying out for recently and the thought of him linking up with Lee Wallace on the left flank should wet the appetite of all bears.

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