Full marks for French charmer

STEPHANE ADAM last night labelled himself as Hearts' lucky charm after winning his third cup final out of three.

The Frenchman won two cups with Metz earlier in his career and grabbed what turned out to be the winning goal for the Jambos on Saturday.

But he was just as pleased for his countryman, goalkeeper Gilles Rousset, who ended a run of four cup finals without a win.

Adam said: "It's been a wonderful day.

This is my first season in Scotland and I've won a cup.

"We missed the league only in the last few matches so it was very important to win the cup.

"It would have been terrible to end up with nothing.

"We were very confident before the game, we were ready for it.

I am lucky because I've had three wins from three finals - Gilles has had four defeats which was terrible so I'm delighted for him.

"It's good for the club and the supporters."

Hesitation

Adam capitalised on hesitation by Lorenzo Amoruso in 52 minutes to smash a drive past Andy Goram.

Adam said: "I don't think Amoruso knew there was someone behind him.

"I just ran on, took a touch and struck the ball.

Andy Goram got a hand to it but he couldn't stop it.

"It was the most important goal I've scored but me scoring was not important.

"It was a team victory, everybody gave 100 per cent, and that was the most important thing." Adam was replaced in 78 minutes by Jim Hamilton but couldn't watch as his team-mates protected their lead.

He revealed he spent the remainder of the game in the dressing room with his head in his hands.

Adam said: "I couldn't face it, especially after Rangers scored.

"I know it's bad for a footballer to say this - but I think I'm going to drink for a week!"

Dynamo

Hearts' victory evened the cup-final score to one apiece for Stefano Salvatori and Rangers' Lorenzo Amoruso.

Midfield dynamo Salvatori was on the losing end when his Milan side were beaten by Amoruso's Fiorentina in the Italian Cup final.

But the Hearts star made up for that on Saturday.

He said: "This is fantastic.

We played very well and the defence was very strong.

"We had three chances and scored two goals.

"It's wonderful for the club and wonderful for the city of Edinburgh.

"I lost two cup finals in Italy but there is more passion about the cup in Scotland.

"I'm also glad it's now 1-1 with Amoruso."

Salvatori paid tribute to boss Jim Jefferies.

He explained: "This side cost just pounds 800,000, that's all.

"Yet we've finished third in the league and won the Scottish Cup.

"It's unbelievable and we've had a great season.

Jim Jefferies has done very well."