David Templeton enjoys dream debut after early shock for Rangers

David Templeton marked his debut with two goals as Rangers came from behind to claim a convincing 5-1 victory over Elgin City at Ibrox in the Irn-Bru Third Division.

Lee McCulloch celebrated being handed the captain's armband with two goals of his own, as he netted his 100th and 101st career strikes either side of half-time yesterday. Dean Shiels was also on target, sparking the Rangers comeback with the equaliser after Jamie Duff had given Elgin a shock lead.

Templeton made his Rangers debut from the start as manager Ally McCoist made two changes from the Scottish Communities League Cup win over Falkirk midweek. The winger was drafted straight into the starting line-up, ahead of Sébastien Faure, after sealing his move from Hearts late on Friday night.

Rangers enjoyed the best of the opening stages and came close after a couple of minutes when McCulloch fed Shiels and he dragged his shot narrowly wide. However, McCoist's men were hit with a sucker-punch when Elgin took the lead after 15 minutes when a corner broke for Duff and he lashed high into the top corner.

But Rangers were back on level terms with 24 minutes gone when McCulloch's initial effort was blocked and Shiels pounced on the rebound to power home.

The home side then surged into the lead five minutes later when Ian Black teed up the shot with some fine play for Templeton and the new recruit rifled high into the net.

The 23-year-old winger then tested Elgin goalkeeper John Gibson again with another decent effort but, this time, McCulloch was able to stab home the rebound from inside the six yard box on the stroke of half-time.

Templeton claimed his second of the day just three minutes after the restart. A Shiels corner into the packed box was collected by the winger, who turned and drove past Gibson from close range to leave Elgin with no way back.

But there was to be no debut hat-trick for Templeton, who was withdrawn to a loud ovation from the 46,015 crowd – the biggest in Scotland at the weekend – to make way for Kevin Kyle late on.