HAMILTON manager Martin Canning is ready to gamble on the fitness of talisman David Templeton for the crucial clash against St Johnstone at New Douglas Park this evening.

The former Hearts and Rangers attacker sat out the weekend defeat to Dundee with a groin injury, but Canning is hoping to have him restored to the starting line-up as they look to cement their Premiership status with a win over the Perth side.

“Templeton did a bit yesterday and today and providing there’s no reaction, he should be fine,” said Canning. “Templeton’s a big player for us. We’ve had Ali [Crawford] who’s filled that role but we haven’t had him this season, and Temps has come in and fulfilled that role. He gives us real quality at the top end of the park. Everything at the moment suggests he’ll be OK to start the game.”

Both Templeton and Crawford may join young Lewis Ferguson - who has signed a pre-contract agreement with Aberdeen - in leaving the club this summer, but Canning is hoping that by sealing their top-flight status, they can move talks with Templeton along.

“We’ve been speaking to him for a couple of months but if we go and win against St Johnstone it’ll make things a lot clearer in terms of tying things up,” he said. “You can try and plan as much as you can but until you know exactly what’s happening you can’t finalise anything.”

Meanwhile, Saints loan star Matty Willock has revealed he would love to come back to the club next season from Manchester United.

“I need to speak to United and see what plans they have,” said Willock.

“I’m sure they have a few more important players to think about. But I feel the manager here has helped me a lot and the players here have helped me improve.

“I would love to come back but it is up to United.”