THE BIG VERDICT

FORMER Hearts skipper Gary MacKay reckons Steven Pressley played a real captain's part yesterday as the Jambos edged past Gretna on penalties to land the Scottish Cup.

Elvis stepped up to slot home the first crucial spot-kick in the shoot-out and Tynecastle legend MacKay hailed the big defender's courage.

He said: "This win was typified by the brave men who put themselves forward to take the penalties and Steven Pressley set the captain's example.

"It's typical Elvis that he should step up to take the first kick and the way he stuck it away set the stall out for the rest.

"As ever he showed the leadership that has been at the heart of this team.

"The last two or three years have been difficult for Steven and the players with all the turmoil off the pitch and they have always handled it magnificently. That courage saw them through this final."

MacKay was part of the Jambos side that blew the double in 1986 and former Hearts chairman George Foulkes reckons yesterday's Hampden nailbiter wiped out that bitter memory.

He said: "The win over Gretna expunged the horror of 20 years ago."

Foulkes resigned in October after owner Vladimir Romanov axed boss George Burley and chief executive Phil Anderton.

Burley's successor Graham Rix and director of football Jim Duffy have also been shown the door and Foulkes reckons the players deserve enormous credit for keeping things together on the field.

He said: "The players and particularly Steven Pressley never let events affect them. Coaches like Stephen Frail and John McGlynn also deserve praise.

"But let's not forget Mr Romanov. I disagreed with his treatment of individuals but never doubted his determination to succeed.

"He has put a lot of effort and money into the club and we are all looking forward to the Champions League next season."

Hearts last won the cup eight years ago under JIM JEFFERIES and the Kilmarnock gaffer reckons his old club just deserved to edge it yesterday.

He said: "Cup finals are about who holds their nerve and Hearts took the trophy.

"But nerves affected them in the second half. It's always hard when you are ahead and we saw that in the '98 final against Rangers. We were 2-0 up but Gers got one back and the doubts started to sneak in."

STEPHANE ADAM was on target for Hearts that day and reckons Valdas Ivanauskas' men got lucky this year.

The Frenchman said: "Gretna were the better side and should have won."

"Hearts were poor and you can't afford to show such a lack of motivation in big games. Rudi Skacel took his goal well but it looks like it could be his last game going by the message on his t-shirt."

Gretna coach ANDY SMITH (far left) was gutted his side lost after being sure they would come out on top in the shoot-out.

He said: " I was convinced it was our day. But penalty kicks are a lottery and unfortunately we've lost out."

Gavin Skelton and Derek Townsley were the spot-kick fall guys for Gretna but former team-mate TOMMY TURNER is adamant they will bounce back in style.

He said: "I played with both lads and they have fantastic character. Gretna didn't deserve to lose."

Taken from the Sunday Mail