SCOTLAND'S No1 TEAM MAKE THEIR CUP FINAL PREDICTIONS.

JAMES TRAYNOR

RANGERS would normally be favourites - but these aren't normal times. They've just lost the title and are about to lose key players as well as Walter Smith. I suspect there is a sense of hopelessness within the squad. If Hearts don't beat them this time they never will, but I think they will just edge it.

EWING GRAHAME

HEARTS deserve a trophy for quality play and keeping the league a three- horse race. Rangers, on the other hand, have stumbled at every hurdle; Champions' League, Premier League, UEFA Cup and Coca- Cola Cup. So, naturally, I believe they'll win this afternoon.

DEREK McGREGOR

RANGERS are there for the taking - the only thing for Hearts to fear is fear itself after 36 years without a trophy. I can't think of a more potent line in motivation, but how Rangers react to losing the title will be intriguing. It's Hearts for

me with a 2-1 triumph.

KEITH JACKSON

ONE thing stands between Hearts and the trophy - heart. Too many times, Jim Jefferies' side has faltered on the big stage. Logic says Rangers are weak, but Gough, McCall and McCoist still harbour that inner desire for victory. I tip them to do it one last time today. Rangers 2, Hearts 1.

IAIN CAMPBELL

PREDICTING a Rangers defeat is usually very dangerous. The Ibrox men will be desperate to send off their boss with a trophy after a disappointing season. Hearts, though, have waited 36 years for silverware. They believe it's going to happen on Gorgie and it just might. Rangers 1, Hearts 2.

KENNETH STEPHEN

WHEN Hearts were top of the table I tipped them to finish third and win the Scottish Cup. I still go with that. More than any other player, I think Rangers will miss Albertz. The Ibrox side are tired, while Hearts look fresh, happy and youthful. I back John Robertson to grab the glory in a 3-2 Hearts win.

DAVID McCARTHY

TWO factors will decide this in Rangers' favour; the Ibrox side's will to make up for their title disappointment and give Walter Smith a proper send-off, as well as Hearts' lack of recent competitive action. Jim Jefferies' side haven't stretched themselves in three weeks. 2-0 to Rangers.

JOHN DOCHERTY

MY money's on the Jambos, who have come up against Rangers in two finals in two years and lost both. With Rangers missing key players I believe this is a great opportunity for Hearts to end their trophy famine. Watch out for fireworks from Colin Cameron and Neil McCann.

ALEX CAMERON

WEEKS ago, I said Hearts would be winners. They slipped up in the last stages of the league, but against Dunfermline they regained style and confidence. Without Albertz, Thern and Cleland, weary Rangers may be outgunned. Cameron, McCann, Fulton and Hamilton can be Jambo hits.

Taken from the Daily Record