McCANN TRIED TO STOP CUP FINAL; Celts chief in cash demand.

Fergus McCann came within 48 hours of pulling the plug on today's Scottish Cup Final, Record Sport can reveal.

I understand Celtic's managing director threatened to refuse to let the showpiece between Rangers and Hearts go ahead at his stadium unless he was paid up front for any potential damage done by fans.

McCann made the threat to Jim Farry's SFA hierarchy, demanding they put a bond in place before the game could go ahead. He backed down late on Thursday afternoon by which time officials at Hearts and Rangers had been alerted by Park Gardens bosses who were outraged at what they saw as a blackmail attempt.

Both clubs refused to bend and helped force McCann into a rethink.

Celtic sources revealed that McCann wanted the advance because of damage done at Parkhead last month by Rangers fans after their semi-final win.

Celtic earned over pounds 200,000 from the match and will make at least as much from today's final but McCann declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Rangers were last night rocked by a Final injury scare to superstar Brian Laudrup.

The Dane, who has been nursing a hamstring injury for weeks, did not train yesterday. He has been receiving treatment throughout the build- up to today's clash - his last game for the club but last night Rangers were still hopeful that he would pull through.

Keeper Andy Goram, who will also leave Ibrox this summer, came through training unscathed.

He has been out since April 19 because of a hamstring strain.

Taken from the Daily Record