Laudo's final fling for fans.

BRIAN LAUDRUP will be out to turn on the style today in a bid to recreate Rangers' memorable Cup humbling of Hearts two years ago.

The Danish midfield maestro stole the show at Hampden in the 1996 Tennents Scottish Cup final which saw Rangers triumph 5-1 over the lack-lustre Jambos.

But Chelsea-bound Laudrup is not expecting such an easy ride this time against a Hearts side who have given the Old Firm a run for their money this season.

The 29-year-old said: "I have many top memories with Rangers and the last Cup final against Hearts is one of them.

"It was the very last game of the season and it was a tremendous one to be involved in.

"It was the first cup final I have played in outside my home country so it was such an experience.

"That was a game in which everything went right for the team and for me personally, and we hope it will go that way again.

"But I think it will be a lot tighter and a lot closer this time.

Stronger

"We have seen Hearts turn this season around dramatically.

"They have been tremendous all season and have some stronger players now so we know it's not going to be as easy.

"Saying that, we've had some good results against Hearts this season but in a cup final you never know what to expect.

"I think it is always very important in a final who scores first and last time, we did that.

"They lost Gary Locke through injury which upset them a wee bit.

"My goal that went under the keeper was a goalkeeping mistake which was unfortunate because Gilles Rousset was outstanding all season, he just had a bad game."

Laudrup tormented the Jambos' defence that day - bagging two goals with Gordon Durie notching a hat-trick.

The only reply from the boys in maroon was a solo John Colquhoun effort.

Laudrup grabbed the Man of the Match award with the flashes of brilliance that have made him an Ibrox legend in his four years in Glasgow.

A game of solo keepie-uppie drove the Gers fans wild and now he's hoping to emulate that in his final game - although he's hoping his embarrassingly talented performance won't have wound the Jambos up for revenge.

He said: "I'm not worried they'll be gunning for revenge after the last final.

I wouldn't look for revenge two years later.

"On that day the game belonged to Rangers but it could be a different matter on Saturday.

"You want to entertain people, that's why they pay money.

"Obviously they want to see goals but they want to see skill as well.

"You just feel that at times like that you can do those things.

It's not to embarrass the opponent, it's just because you're really happy that day and things are going right for you."

The Danish international, signed for pounds 2.3million from Fiorentina four years ago, will play his final game for Rangers today before making his move to Stamford Bridge.

But backroom grumblings about the lack of fee received from the out-of- contract Dane have led to an on-going row between Chelsea and Gers supremo David Murray.

And despite Laudrup's threats to change his mind and sign for Ajax to make sure Rangers definitely don't pick up a fee for him - the fans favourite will put it all behind him for today's grand finale.

"This is my final game for Rangers after four wonderful years so the best way to end this relationship with the club and the fans would be to win it - no matter what is going on elsewhere.

"It will be sad having my last game for Rangers.

"We have a couple of players out through injury but we have to be positive after losing the title last week.

Heartbreak

"Obviously it will be very important to all the players, especially those who are leaving, to finish on a high.

"We've now put Saturday's events behind us and we are looking forward to the Cup final, which is always a great occasion and every player in both teams will be up for it.

"And the good thing about it is that it has come so quickly after Saturday."

Despite Rangers' heartbreak of missing out on a record-breaking 10th title in succession, Laudrup feels that is now in the past.

And reliving every minute of every game will not take the title away from Parkhead now.

"At the end of the day you could say we should have won that game or if we had only just drawn this game but you can't do that.

"You play over a season and we didn't win it and now we're looking forward to winning the cup.

"I think it's fair to say our chances are 50-50.

"Some people have Rangers as the favourites but we know at the end of the day that you're not winning titles by being favourites.

"We know that we have to go out and prove that we can finish this season on a high."

The normally reserved Dane, whose hobbies include family life and wine collecting, surprised a few last time when he clambered on top of the Rangers bus to celebrate with the on-looking supporters.

And if things go his way today there just might be a repeat performance.

He laughed: There was video evidence of that so I can't really pull myself out of that one.

"I was alongside a couple of other players like Gazza and Goram, and they pushed me up there.

It was a good day, and who knows, we'll have to wait and see if I make it back on top of the bus this year!

"At the end of the day we have to win that game to be able to celebrate.

"It is tremendous to play in the final, but only as a winner - not as a loser."

Despite the world-renowned Laudrup name - brother Michael retired after a tremendous career this week - Brian failed to make any real impression during his time in Italy.

Aggression

But after picking up his game in Scotland he feels he's well prepared for the English Premiership and Gianluca Vialli's European Cup winning side.

He said: "I've learned a lot up here, more aggression into my game by all accounts.

"I've had a tremendous time up here and I settled down as a person and a player.

"I've had the chance to win so much with Rangers and will leave with very fond memories.

"When I came here it was to win titles and hopefully, I'll leave with one more medal."