Scottish Cup Final Preview:Gretna V Hearts

SPL runners up Hearts are taking on Second Division champions Gretna in an incredible match. Only four years ago, Gretna were still a non league club and now they stand only 90 minutes away from the Scottish Cup, after only 4 seasons in Scottish league football, thanks to the investment and vision of millionaire chairman Brooks Mileson.

Hearts also are in a position much healthier than could have been expected only 18 months ago. The end of 2004 saw the club mired in debt with the darkening prospect of selling Tynecastle to pay off the debts. February 2005 saw the arrival of majority shareholder Vladmir Romanov who secured the future of Tynecastle and then during the pre season of 2005, gave the then manager George Burley significant funds to invest in the transfer window.

Going into the game, Hearts are undoubtedly favourites. The romantics may point to the fact that Gretna beat bigger sides than themselves on the way to the final, but it must be remembered there is a significant gulf in quality between the Scottish First Division, and the top end of the SPL.

That said, the Jambos did manage to make very heavy weather of their 2nd division opponents Partick Thistle, edging out a 2-1 victory which ended with the Thistle players coming close to an equaliser.

However since then and the removal of Graham Rix, the form of the side has improved as they saw off a late challenge from Rangers to secure 2nd spot and the potential of Champions League football. Many would indeed argue the Edinburgh side would have pushed Celtic harder for the title had it not been for the frequent managerial upheaval.

I therefore think Hearts will end the first full season of the Romanov era with their first trophy since their last Scottish Cup victory when they beat Rangers 2-1 back in 1998. Gretna may be surprising everyone but a team with players the calibre of Gordon, Pressley, Hartley, Skacel and a Champions League winner in Jankauskas will be too much for Rowan Alexander’s side.

Player to Watch: Rudi Skacel

Should I stay or should I go? Differing stories about the Czech midfielder's future seem to enter the papers every other day. Was electric early season for Hearts but faded as the campaign went on. Will he rise to the occasion today?

Sam Cullen