I’ll feel guilty leading team out on Sunday.. it’s John who got us this far

Interim Jambos gaffer Locke will fulfil a lifelong dream if he guides his boyhood heroes to League Cup glory over St Mirren.

Yet he can’t shake the feeling that honour should belong to sacked boss John McGlynn.

Axed McGlynn will put his punctured pride aside to take his seat in the stand — when deep down he will believe he should still be in the dugout.

Locke said: “I have not bounced ideas off John, but I have spoken to him. I’m delighted he is going to be at the game. All the credit for us reaching the final goes to John, and it’s a bit embarrassing for me to be here instead.

“John reassured me I should go out and enjoy it. That is the mark of the man.

“He is a fantastic individual and when he left he told me to make the most of this chance. That’s what I have tried to do.

“It is something I dreamed about as a kid. To play for Hearts was a dream come true, but to lead the team out in a Cup Final will be a proud day for myself and my family.

“But it will only be a good day if we win.”

Hearts have kicked off talks aimed at securing Peter Houston as McGlynn’s long-term successor, but there is still time for Jambos legend Locke to pip him to the post.

The addition of silverware to his CV would do his cause no harm, but he insists he is not looking beyond the final.

Asked if reports of Houston’s imminent arrival had proved distracting he said: “No, not at all.

“Since I’ve been in temporary charge I have really enjoyed it.

“Hearts have been fantastic, as has director of football John Murray, who has kept us up to date with what’s been going on.

“He told us we were in charge for the game so we are looking forward to it.

“In terms of getting the job I’ve not looked that far ahead. We are just focused on this next, massive game. We will just try our best to get the result we are all looking for, and whatever happens after that will take care of itself.”

With uncertainty over owner Vladimir Romanov’s long-term involvement at Hearts in the wake of Ukio Bankas’ implosion, Locke’s not even aware if the Russian will jet in for the Hampden showdown.

He added: “The only message we’ve had from Lithuania is: ‘Just try and win it’.

“I’ve no idea if Vladimir Romanov is coming as I have been too busy trying to get the team focused.

“If he is here, great. If not we will press on anyway.”

While Locke has allowed himself to get caught up in the excitement of the build-up, he has not forgotten the pain of crocked stars Marius Zaliukas, Danny Grainger, Jamie Hamill and Fraser Mullen. Locke can sympathise, in particular with stricken skipper Zaliukas.

In 1998 Locke was forced to watch from the sidelines as Hearts won the Scottish Cup, although stand-in captain Stevie Fulton allowed him to lift the trophy after the 2-1 victory over Rangers.

Locke said: “I really feel for Marius. It’s not just him as we have a few out, and our injury list is getting bigger by the day.

“They will all be at Hampden and this is very much a tight squad.

“They have all played their part one way or another in us getting here.

“This will be a difficult day for Marius, but I’m sure that he will be there and getting right behind the lads who are playing.

“It won’t be my decision whether Marius gets to lift the cup if we win.

“Stevie Fulton made the call on that day in 1998, and it was a great gesture and something I will never forget.

“Whatever happens Marius has played his part in getting us here and hopefully we can win it for him.

“I’ve said to the players this is a time to savour as they might only get one opportunity. It’s a very rare treat to get to cup finals and you must make the most of it.”

Had it not been for the supporters then there might not have been a Hearts team lining up at Hampden.

As debts spiralled out of control, the fans were the ones who kept the Jambos alive with a series of fund-raising schemes. Locke insists those sacrifices won’t be in vain.

He added: “Hearts have always had great supporters. This has always been a family club.

“It has been that way for years and it will be the same for many more years to come.

“The boys are aware of everything the supporters have done and we have tried to attend as many functions as we could.

“The fans have been remarkable in the way they have rallied around Hearts and raised so much money.

“This is a day out for them and they will come through to Hampden in their thousands.

“Hopefully we can repay them for everything they have done this season.”