5-1 hammering was best thing that happened to me;

HEARTS star Paul Ritchie feared his Scottish Cup final humbling by Rangers could have been the match which ENDED his career.

But it turned out to be one of the best things which ever happened to him.

It's still painful to recall, but even now Ritchie vividly remembers the feeling of dread whenever Brian Laudrup and Gordon Durie burst into another Hampden attack in the 1996 mauling.

Rich and Alan McManus tried vainly to stem the Ibrox tide which swept relentlessly towards Gilles Rousset's goal.

Pasquale Bruno had limped off with a mystery injury and the two kids were given a real public humiliation.

Ritchie might never have recovered - now he's rated the best young defender in Scottish football.

He's a Jambo regular, made the breakthrough at B international level and has been rewarded with a new two-year deal which will keep him at Tynecastle until he's 24.

And he reckons his career changed for the better after that 5-1 thrashing.

He said: "In the second half, Bruno started going on his crusading runs which left us bare at the back and Laudrup and Durie destroyed us.

"It's difficult enough to beat Rangers anyway, but we gave them two goals of a start that afternoon and they just went from strength to strength.

"Everything they touched seemed to turn to goals and when the score reached 5-1 I wanted the match over and done with.

"That was such a massive game and one I'd looked forward to for two weeks beforehand, but eventually I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me.

Easy

"I was only 19, playing my first cup final, and I was devastated.

"Even now it's difficult to put my emotions into words, but I suppose I was fortunate the game was the last of the season as I could go away on holiday and forget about football.

"But looking back now the occasion helped me a great deal and I've learned from it.

I've experienced that situation and I'll know how to handle it if it threatens in future.

"A lot of people look at footballers like Brian Laudrup and think it's an easy life.

"But what I went through that afternoon could have ended anyone's career.

"I've realised football is not all about ups, there are many more downs so the high points must be appreciated.

"That cup final day was the lowest of my career but what's important is how you react to it.

Personally, I think I've done quite well."

He's now one of the first names on the manager's team sheet every week and Craig Brown will pitch him into the Euro 2000 campaign.

Ritchie's a good listener, but he's also quick to play tribute to his senior team-mates for helping him develop in the last two years - especially central defensive partner David Weir.

He added: "I've been happy with my performances this season which is down to confidence.

"I'm still learning, but senior pros like David McPherson, John Robertson and Neil Pointon have helped me hugely.

"And David Weir has helped me leaps and bounds.

"There are times I've looked at him and asked: 'How can he be a defender?'

"His contribution, confidence and use of the ball is so good he could easily pass as a central midfielder.

"If I could be as good as him I'd be delighted.

"The gaffer has also built my confidence up by keeping me in the side even if I haven't been playing well.

"As a young player you worry about being dropped from the team for making a mistake, but the only way to progress is by being allowed to make them."

Ritchie has handed the Jambos a boost on the eve of the cup final by agreeing that new two-year contract.

He could have quit and gone abroad for free under the Bosman Ruling, yet wants to stay around to prove the success Hearts have enjoyed this season isn't a fluke.

He added: "In the long run I've made the right decision as I'll learn more here than I would elsewhere.

I'm also happy here and that's important to me.

"This club is getting bigger and bigger all the time and although we've done well in the last season people will be waiting to see if it's a flash in the pan.

"Part of the reason for staying was to prove that isn't the case.

Capable

"We've a good team here and on our day we're capable of beating anyone."

Jambos gaffer Jefferies asked Ritchie to make up his mind before the cup final and insisted: "I remember Allan Johnston's agent was in the middle of negotiations in the run-up to the cup final two years ago and maybe it preyed on Allan's mind.

"I didn't want the same thing to happen with Paul, so he'll be in a better frame of mind for the final.

"We'd hoped he'd sign for three or possibly four years, but who knows what might happen in the next two years, he could agree an extension.

"David Weir is going to the World Cup finals and a few others were also knocking at that door.

Now my young lads must make the European Championships their target.

"A few may be disappointed at not going to France, but winning the final would be a great way to cheer themselves up."