Rangers v Hearts

He had hoped to secure the runners-up spot - and Champions League football next term - before making way for Paul Le Guen.

But that prize went to Hearts instead when their midweek win over Aberdeen allowed them to finally end the Old Firm`s stranglehold on Scottish football.

The final game of the season between the two clubs on Sunday is now meaningless and Eck concedes that bowing out in such circumstances will be hard to take.

``It`s a blow that we`ve finished third,'' he said. ``It`s a blow to everybody`s pride.

``Myself, the chairman, Martin Bain [chief executive] and, of course, the players - we all feel it.

``But it was looking a lot worse in January.''

Rangers were 16 points adrift of Hearts at Christmas and languishing in fifth place in the SPL following the worst sequence of results in the club`s history - a run which almost cost McLeish his job.

He was given a stay of execution and Rangers gradually hauled themselves into the race for the runners-up spot, slashing the gap between the two clubs to just four points.

McLeish said: ``We were in an almost impossible situation in December and January, when I decided to stay until the end of the season, and it was just a bridge too far for us.''

Speaking of the possibility of quitting Rangers at that time, he added: ``It was close. There was intense pressure on me and my family but as long as they weren`t suffering then I was determined to carry on.

``I`ve got staying power, I`ve got determination and I could not leave Rangers when they were fifth in the league.

``There was no way I was leaving the club in that position. I was too embarrassed.''

McLeish has been forced to work within a restricted budget during his time at Ibrox and he believes the cash ploughed into Hearts by majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov proved to be the difference between the two clubs this term.

``Congratulations to Hearts, we recognise the great achievement by them,'' he said.

``Romanov has spent a few bob and it`s worked for them.

``I`m just disappointed that we can`t take it to the last game.''

McLeish may only have pride to play for now but he has told his players they could be playing for their jobs this weekend.

``I know that I want to go out with a win,'' he said. ``There`s that certain word pride that we`ve used many times and it`s in my make-up.

``I`m sure the fans will be behind the team whatever happens.

``The players have fought hard since an almost impossible situation in January and I`m sure they will want to finish the season on a high for their own sakes as well.

``It`s all about cementing their own future, too.''

Julien Rodriguez is out after he missed the midweek win over Hibernian because of a knock and Kris Boyd will continue in attack after scoring twice against Hibs.

Peter Lovenkrands could return to the first XI after coming on as substitute.

Hearts are set to rest skipper Steven Pressley after he played through the pain barrier to help secure the runners-up position.

Andy Webster, keeper Craig Gordon and Paul Hartley could also be on the sidelines as they seek a return to full fitness ahead of the summer break.

Hartley has spoken this week of the remarkable success he has achieved in the maroon jersey this season.

In addition to Champions League football next season, the former St Johnstone and Hibernian player has the Tennent's Scottish Cup final against Gretna at Hampden Park on May 13 to look forward to.

The 29-year-old, who has been named Bank of Scotland Player of the month for April, said: ``Everything has gone well for me over the last couple of seasons but this season has been a dream come true.

``To score 17 goals is fantastic and it doesn't come any better than to get to the Scottish Cup final and into the Champions League.

``At one stage Rudi Skacel was miles ahead of me in the scoring charts butI've managed to stay in there and bang a few goals in.

``When you're at St Johnstone you don't think you'll experience Champions League football or play in Scottish Cup finals.

``All credit to Craig Levein for signing me for Hearts and since I've come here, I feel I have found the right club.''

He added: ``We've finished second but hopefully next season we can go one better.''