Man by man ratings

RANGERS

ANDY GORAM so often the hero on these occasions, he might have done better at Adam's goal. Had little to do apart from pull the ball twice from his net, but his positioning was good, especially from a Flogel header which could have put Hearts 3-0 ahead...........................6

SERGIO PORRINI was a solid and dependable performer and worked hard to crush any threat from McCann. However, for Pounds 3m you'd expect more than a workmanlike pro. Did try to push forward and inject some urgency into the attack late on, but to no avail......6

STAALE STENSAAS was replaced by McCoist at half-time, a tactical move to allow Durie to create in midfield. Took up some good positions in the opening half and linked well with Laudrup, but too often his final pass or cross let him down, even when he hit the goalline........................4

RICHARD GOUGH didn't put a foot wrong and led from the front but it was not the fond farewell he was looking for. Organised his defence well enough and was blameless at both goals. In the closing minutes he even pushed forward to partner McCoist up front.....................7

LORENZO AMORUSO is strong in the tackle and can burst forward with great strength. He uses the ball well and packs a powerful shot but he can be far too casual for the good of his side. Lapse in concentration was seized upon by Adam, ultimately to Rangers' cost............5

JOACHIM BJORKLUND was forced to play at wing half for the first half due to Gers' mix-and-match approach in the closing weeks of the season. But how they expect a defender to suddenly become a creative genius is another matter. He was defensively sound...........................6

RINO GATTUSO was everywhere and caused a few heart-stopping moments for the Jambos defence by snapping at their heels. The fiery Italian's indiscipline, in terms of the role he fills for the team, is infectious. Great vision put McCoist in to score. Still too hot-headed.................7

IAN FERGUSON took up some good positions in dangerous areas, particularly in first half, but failed to do anything. Gers needed more subtlety in the centre of their midfield but he failed to deliver. Clumsy tackle on Fulton in opening seconds didn't help him...............................6

GORDON DURIE was forced to scratch for a half chance in the opening period and was well marked by Weir. He could have expected better service from midfield to add an edge to the battle between the two. Livened up when played deeper but it was too little too late.......................6

STUART McCALL did everything to inspire Rangers by attempting to dictate the tempo of play but too often it broke down further forward. Stayed deep but Gers could have done with his enthusiasm up front. Gave his all, but tired and replaced by Ian Durrant.......................6

BRIAN LAUDRUP started well and looked in the mood to repeat his solo show from 1996. Hit the post and was trying to prompt activity around goal but was sucked into the mire in the second half and faded, looking disillusioned at having no-one else to spark off...7

SUBS - super ALLY McCOIST (6) took his last Rangers goal superbly and was unlucky with several efforts as he sparked life into his struggling side. IAN DURRANT (4) replaced McCall and laboured in vain to turn the game in favour of the Light Blues.

HEARTS

GILLES ROUSSET has waited two years to end his cup final heartache and did so in superb style. His handling was excellent and he made some brilliant stops, including a point-blank save to deny McCoist and a great effort to knock away Amoruso's superb 40-yard effort...........8

DAVE McPHERSON worked wonders at right-back and rarely allowed Rangers, and Laudrup, to get behind him into dangerous areas. He provided few options in an attacking sense, but his experience was vital in the closing stages as he organised players alongside him...........7

GARY NAYSMITH also snuffed Laudrup out when he had no luck with McPherson. Never taken on and beaten down the wing and showed opponents brave enough to take him on in-field, where fellow defenders and midfielders were waiting to thwart attacks.........................7

DAVID WEIR made a terrific contribution. Positional sense was excellent and he also quelled the threat of Gordon Durie. Found McCoist more of a handful and was lucky not to have a penalty given against him for a trip on him. A calming influence for most of match...........................8

STEFANO SALVATORI failed to plug the hole in front of his defence at times and a more creative Gers midfield could have taken advantage. Fought a personal battle with countryman Gattuso early on but regained his concentration to put in usual no-frills show.............................6

PAUL RITCHIE was man-of-the-match by a mile, despite the sponsors handing it to Rousset. Positional sense was brilliant and his ability to read the action gave his keeper a quieter afternoon than he could have expected. Cool and calm, he patrolled the box like a veteran.........9

NEIL McCANN was snuffed out by Bjorklund in the first-half as Porrini also lurked behind. Never played the influential role most expected but still worked hard and was always willing to come deep, help his defence and look to attack whenever possible.......................6

STEVE FULTON set the tone for fine first-half by winning the penalty with a surging run into the box. Policed the middle of the park well and sprayed some super passes, but his tank was running on empty 15 minutes from time as he faded and Gers swept forward..........7

STEPHANE ADAM showed lightning reflexes to pounce and fire the clinching second goal. You can never relax in the Frenchman's presence as Amoruso found out to his cost. That apart, he also worked the Rangers rearguard well under difficult conditions...................8

COLIN CAMERON took his penalty brilliantly but then seemed to be overawed by the occasion. His trademark ghosting runs behind defences were hardly ever seen. McCall lay deeper in the first half which may have thwarted him. Bust a gut defensively though.........................6

THOMAS FLOGEL did little to ease the strain on Dave McPherson in the first half as he was left to cope with Laudrup and the overlapping runs from Stensaas. Recovered after interval and provided valuable outlet wide on the right to cause Gers problems.........6

SUBS - strike star JIM HAMILTON (4) came on in place of Adam with 20 minutes to go and helped the Jambos defence hold on for a priceless victory. His biggest contribution was being booked after a few seconds - and wearing a silly wig for the lap of honour!