Rousset won't look back in anger.

Hearts keeper Gilles Rousset has had enough of looking behind him.

The last time he turned round in a Scottish Cup final it was to see a Brian Laudrup cross squirm between his legs and into the net.

That Hampden howler was one of the costliest mistakes of his career as Rangers went on to break sad Hearts with a 5- 1 defeat in 1996.

Looking back, Rousset can also see a career in France and Scotland which has included three finals and three defeats.

But yesterday he banished all that to the past. He said: "I was sad and crying in the dressing room after the game when John Robertson came up to me and told me I shouldn't worry.

"Everyone at the club was so good to me. Their encouragement helped me through that summer and restored my confidence at a difficult time.

"We all make mistakes but it's part of my history. It is time to make amends and I am looking to the future.

"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 we will do it because it is time for the fans and the players to weep tears of joy instead of tears of defeat. This time we know we can win."

Experience has taught Rousset that there is no place in history for losers.

He can't believe that 36 years have passed since Hearts last landed a trophy.

So this time he doesn't care if his side have a stinker, as long as they end up heroes.

Rousset said: "The last time the fans were proud of us because we played well, but lost.

"Now is the time for us to play very badly and win. Thirty-six years without a trophy is unbelievable because we have such a big support and we are such a big club."

Fellow French ace Stephane Adam wouldn't mind a repeat of the score the first time he saw Hearts play Rangers.

The Jambos dumped the then newly-crowned Scottish champs 3-1 in the final league game of last season.

Adam said: "We've had a good season and cup finals are always special days to savour and enjoy."

Taken from the Daily Record