Gilles aims to end run of turf luck.

By STEWART WEIR

ASK Hearts keeper Gilles Rousset how the grass smells at Hampden and he'll be able to tell you.

For the last time the big Frenchman was there, he buried his face in the turf - embarrassed by the blunder that sent Hearts on their way to a Cup final defeat.

Tomorrow at Parkhead, Rousset will be the Jambos' last line once again as Hearts bid for glory.

But, if Gilles has tried to forget his 1996 blunder, there have been plenty willing to recall that faux pas.

That was arguably the costliest mistakes of his career, setting Rangers on the way to a 5-1 win.

But the giant 'keeper last night said: "The mistake in that final is in the past now.

It was two year ago and everyone makes mistakes in life.

"I did it at the worst time, where everyone would see it - and remember it.

I also remember it, but it's part of my history.

"It is time to make amends, and I am looking to the future."

Tears

As Hearts bid to end a 36-year trophy drought, Rousset added: "In some ways, Hearts and myself have the same history.

I have waited for so long to win a trophy and so have they.

"It's time to win one now.

Hopefully Saturday will be when we do it because it is time for the fans and the players to be crying tears of joy instead of tears of defeat."

But Rousset is convinced that the new-look Hearts, constructed by Jim Jefferies, can go a step better this time around.

"We have improved against Rangers over the last two finals.

The first time they were too strong for us.

"But the second time we came very close.

Gazza played brilliantly for three minutes and that was the difference between us and them.

"We are talking about a world class player, and it took him to be at his best to divide the sides.

"But this Hearts side is the best since I have been here, and I think we proved that in the league this season.

Proud

"This time we know we definitely can win.

We are not going there to be there, we are going there to win it."

"The last time the fans were proud of us because we played well - but lost.

"Now is the time for us to play very bad and win.

36 years without a trophy is unbelievable because we have such a big support, and we are such a big club.

"We have had plenty opportunities to win, but missed them.

We have come so close on many occasions.

"Playing well but coming away with nothing won't make the fans truly happy.

Only a trophy can do that.

"We can be heroes if we win this one and everyone will remember who was in the side."

And Rousset joked; "Maybe, they will then forget about what happened to me in '96."