Europe is a glittering prize for second-best

Finishing second in the SPL and, more importantly, the chance to qualify for the Champions League, means Sunday afternoon is make-or-break mission for Alex McLeish's men.

Win in Edinburgh and they've got a fantastic chance to finish the campaign off as runners-up to Celtic, which means they'll go into the Champions League qualifiers next season.

Lose and you've got to say it would take a dramatic collapse from Hearts on the run-in for Rangers to catch them, as there would be nine points between the two sides.

I think a draw would probably suit Hearts more than Rangers, but if there is still six points in it after the weekend, Rangers could still catch Graham Rix's outfit.

However, it is a vitally important game and although there is a cup final going on at Hampden between Celtic and Dunfermline, events at Tynecastle will be big news as well.

Forget about the Old Firm games and Champions League encounters Alex McLeish's men have been involved in this season - this is now their biggest game of the campaign.

I praised the Rangers players for producing a fantastic display over in Villarreal when they were really unlucky to be knocked out of the Champions League on away goals.

And I also gave the players a lot of credit for their performance in the 4-0 win over Kilmarnock that followed their trip to Spain. But this is the big one.

If the guys in the Ibrox dressing room are feeling frustrated and angry at how this season has turned out for them, this is payback time.

Big Eck needs them to start well and be positive. This is the time and stage for big players.

Hearts managed to just edge out Rangers in the last meeting between the sides through in Edinburgh - and that game gave Jambos the confidence to go on a really impressive run.

George Burley was in charge at that time, and after a good start to the campaign, the visit of Rangers was looked upon as the big test for Hearts.

Were they really good enough to push for the title?

As it turned out, they were, or certainly up until Celtic edged away with it. But that run played a big part in helping them build up the current lead they hold over Rangers.

If Rangers can win then it will be down to three points, and with Hearts still to play Celtic twice and come to Ibrox, it would be advantage McLeish.

I can't wait to see how the game goes, and the time has come for Barry Ferguson and Co to deliver the goods on the domestic front.

Taken from Evening Times