I'VE DREAMED ABOUT SCORING CUP PENALTY .. I HAD NO FEARS

ROBBIE NEILSON revealed he was the calmest man inside Hampden as he stepped up to take his vital penalty kick in the sudden-death shootout.

Neilson knew he was setting himself up for a major fall by volunteering to hit one of the five strikes - but it was something he'd always wanted to do.

Robbie said: "I know my family and friends would have been biting their nails in the stand but I felt calm and confident.

"It was something I had dreamed about since I was a kid and getting the chance to do it for real was perfect. I just concentrated on hitting the target.

"When I scored I felt a sense of relief - if I'd missed I would have been a villain."

Right-back Robbie has had a terrific campaign as a mainstay of the Jambos' side that clinched second spot in the SPL.

But instead of celebrating their cup win at Tynecastle last night the Hearts squad were forced to have their shindig at Murrayfield because the Gorgie Suite is booked out for a wedding.

Neilson smiled: "This is a great feeling. There were ups and downs this season but for it all to finish like this is brilliant.

"Not many players are lucky enough during their careers to win the Scottish Cup. So I'm proud to have done it.

"I have to thank the likes of Craig Gordon, Steven Pressley, Andy Webster and Paul Hartley. Our defence has been different class and we've never made it easy for teams to score against us.

"We'll enjoy this moment and let's hope the newly weds at Tynecastle had as much fun as we had at Murrayfield last night!

"I've played a lot of games but can't take anything for granted after the summer.

"New players will come in as we try to do well both in Europe and domestically and all the boys know they must do even better.

"But I'll deal with that when the time comes. I'm just enjoying this moment with my team-mates and family."

Here Robbie gives MailSport the inside story on the week that has defined Hearts' unforgettable campaign.

SUNDAY: We faced Rangers at Ibrox and I was disappointed not to be involved as I like playing there, it's a great venue. But the manager was right to leave out nine regulars. Once we sealed our place in the Champions League the Scottish Cup Final became the most important game.

Getting the chance to rest allows you to shake off any wee niggles following a long, tiring season. We lost 2-0 to Rangers but our fans enjoyed the occasion and had a right good party.

I'm glad second spot was ours - you don't want to go to Ibrox needing a result.

MONDAY: Up sharp to take my two dogs for a walk as I always do.

In for some light training at Riccarton, mainly just taking it easy, and played a couple of small-sided games.

I enjoy the training under gaffer Valdas Ivanauskas. He has good ideas and the players have responded well.

He might appear dour faced but is really nice in front of the players and we'd like to see him get the job permanently.

Played with my one-year-old daughter Eva when I got home then watched the Preston v Leeds play-off game on telly.

I was surprised Preston didn't make it through. The players must be deflated when they get so close only to miss out on the final.

TUESDAY: Our guys were all on a downer after training because of an injury Sammy Camazzola picked up during the session.

He was hitting a shot and got a wee nudge from Roman Bednar that led to injured knee ligaments.

Sammy has had problems with his knee before and we feared he'd be out for six months.

But he has since found out he only stretched his ligaments and should be back in time for the new season. It just goes to show no matter how careful you try to be in the build-up to a big game, injuries can still happen.

WEDNESDAY: Day off and I went into town with wife Julie and Eva to get clothes for our holiday in Spain. We leave at 6am tomorrow and I'm looking forward to it.

I'll be back home early though for my brother's stag night at the weekend.

We're going to the greyhound racing at Shawfield in Glasgow and I like that kind of night out. You can have a meal, a few drinks and try to pick a winner or two.

My own dogs are lurchers so I have an added interest.

Graeme gets married on June 28 and I just hope I'm not already off to pre-season training camp. I'm his best man and don't want to miss his big day - I'll need to ask the manager for time off.

At night I went to the Youth Cup Final between Celtic and Hearts at Parkhead. I took my dad Ian and we enjoyed the game.

Hearts lost 3-1 after extra time but the club has some good kids coming through.

THURSDAY: After training I was one of the players put up for interviews at our cup final media day.

Some guys are not keen on speaking to the press but I don't have a problem. I quite enjoy it and it's all part of the job.

I was posing with the Scottish Cup for photos and thinking about how it would feel to get my hands on it for real.

Hearts' last cup triumph in 1998 when we beat Rangers 2-1 was a special day. I was a youth player and to have progressed to where I am now is so satisfying.

Went home and made all my final phone calls to make sure everyone had their tickets and knew the arrangements. It's good to get that out of the way and concentrate on the game.

FRIDAY: Trained as normal and played our weekly game of handball. Valdas likes that routine as it gets us moving about without making contact.

Then we boarded the team bus and headed to Gleddoch House in Langbank. We stayed there before the semi-final win over Hibs and were keen to go back.

Valdas spoke to us about Gretna and the dangers they'll cause. They have experienced players and deserve to be in the final after beating teams in leagues above them.

Sometimes I room with Jamie McAlister but it was Christophe Berra this time. He's one of the "young guns" and went off with some of the boys to watch some DVDs.

I didn't mind because it gave me relaxing time to myself. Went for a massage then the chiropractor came round to my room to crack a few creaking bones and joints.

Got to sleep no problem. The big day couldn't come quick enough.

SATURDAY: Early rise and straight down for breakfast of toast and coffee at 8.30. Gaffer had another meeting and we spoke about tactics. I had plenty of water and a bowl of pasta for my pre-match meal at 11.45.

Valdas named the starting line-up just before one o'clock and it's always good to hear your name called out.

I've played almost every game this season but still take nothing for granted, particularly with the size of squad we have.

Phoned Julie and Eva to tell them I was playing and make sure their day was going okay. Finally on our way to Hampden with everyone determined to make the last day of the season a memorable one.

Taken from the Sunday Mail