LAUDO CAN SAY BYE-BRI BY TAKING CUP BACK TO IBROX SAYS ANDY SMITH

WHEN it comes to making your mark in the Tennent's Scottish Cup, no-one this season has done it better than Pars marksman Andy Smith.

Because the Dunfermline striker has five good reason to recall this season's competition

Smith crashed five goals against Edinburgh City in the 3rd Round, making him the Premier League's top scorer in the Cup.

But today when Hearts meet Rangers at a packed Parkhead, big Andy knows that his moment of magic will be long forgotten.

Because this afternoon's clash will all be about winners - and losers.

And having lined up against both the Teddy Bears and the Jambos this season, Smith knows all about the respective strengths - and weaknesses - of today's finalists.

Entertainers

"I don't think you could have asked for a better final - although Celtic fans might disagree," said the prolific Dunfermline hitman.

"Hearts and Rangers have been two of the form teams during this season, and for the neutral, I think it's great that two such cracking sides are playing in what is the biggest day in the Scottish football calendar.

"Both sides have shown this season that they can play some great football, and both sides have some great entertainers.

"I mean, if Brian Laudrup and Neil McCann don't want to perform in front of 50,000, then they shouldn't be playing the game."

Normally Rangers would go into such a game as odds-on favourites.

But such has been the challenge of Hearts this season, that the Gorgie Boys are many people's tip for the top.

"And you can see why," said Andy.

"Jim Jefferies has taken a couple of years to build what is an extremely good side, and better still, one that plays a bit of football.

"Even Rangers and Celtic fans would admit that on their day, Hearts have been the most entertaining side this season.

"Jim has put together a good blend of youngsters, with some, lets say, mature professionals.

"Hearts are strong at the back.

But their biggest strength is the way they attack.

It's not as if it all comes through one player - the threat can come from four or five players."

Andy explained: "The man who makes the Jam Tarts tick is Steve Fulton.

"Big Billy McNeill was made to suffer a wee bit after he said Stevie reminded him of Baggio!

"But on the evidence of this season, no-one would raise an eyebrow if you compared Fulton with Craig Burley or Jorg Albertz.

"He'll stand in the middle of the park and spray passes left, right and down the middle.

"It's okay doing that, but you need players who will make the runs for you - and that's where Fulton has his pals to thank for making him look good.

"Colin Cameron, 'wee Mickey', has been great too.

"You can see why he's been linked with Premiership teams, because anyone who cam come from midfield and score is worth a fortune.

"Up front, Jefferies has permed Jim Hamilton, John Robertson and Stephane Adam, and at times, even Cameron and Thomas Flogel.

"But those front men have had their chances served on a plate because of Fulton, and of course, Neil McCann out wide.

Adventurous

"Neil is a great ball player, and I can see him coming deep against Rangers to look for the ball.

"That's when he is dangerous, when he has a chance to turn, then get a run on his marker."

Hearts, despite their adventurous streak, have been forced to defend at times this season - and they've done it well, according to the man who knows.

"There isn't much that gets past them, because they have pace, height, and a couple of very good readers of the game in Paul Ritchie and David Weir.

"I know there was a lot said about the central defenders that Craig Brown included in the Scotland squad, but if big Davie Weir hadn't been picked, there would have been a steward enquiry!

"His partnership with Paul Ritchie - the best young player in the country - has really developed, but that all comes with playing together, and gaining confidence.

"And that confidence comes through not losing silly goals."

For a spell this season, that's exactly what Rangers were losing with alarming regularity.

But the influence of three men in particular according to Andy, turned the Ibrox club's season around - and could tip the balance today.

"Hearts are going to come at Rangers, and when they do they'll find Andy Goram, Richard Gough and Lorenzo Amoruso waiting.

"Andy Goram is for me the best I've ever seen.

I know that by the number of goals I thought I'd scored, only to see him pull the ball out the net.

"Everyone talks about him as if he's past it - but he's far from that.

"The same is said about Richard Gough.

But Rangers have been a different team since he came back.

"Big Goughie is still as good as he was ten years ago.

The pace isn't what it was, but he compensates by reading the play so well.

"Where I've seen a huge change with Rangers is how they play out of defence, and Amoruso is the reason for that.

"He looks so comfortable on the ball.

"You can see why Walter Smith was so devastated when the big Italian couldn't shake off his injuries early in the season.

"But he came on after 10 minutes against Celtic in the Cup semi, and looked as if he'd never been away.

Frightening

"But if he's good on the ground, what is he like in the air? - I mean, he heads the ball further than I kick it."

While big Andy has 26 goals this term, he says he has to take his hat off to the masters at Ibrox.

"At the start of the season, Marco Negri was scoring for fun.

I watched the highlights of the season the other night - to see my goals - and it was frightening the way Negri was scoring.

"But after that eye injury, he dropped out of favour, but he'll be around tomorrow because Rangers might need a goal late on.

"Negri's fall from grace has come about because of one man - Ally McCoist.

"I just cannot believe he isn't going to France.

Ally has nothing to prove to anyone who has played with or against him.

"But in this final, he'd just love to get a goal - especially the winner, just to show people who's boss!"

For Andy Smith though, Rangers have a real weakness.

"They sold Paul Gascoigne, and maybe they were right to under the circumstances.

"But the loss of Jonas Thern, then Jorg Albertz, who can create and score goal, could really cost Rangers.

"Rangers are going to struggle in the midfield - and that's where Hearts could win the game."

For Andy though, the Gers are still favourites; "But only because they've got one thing Hearts don't - and that's Brian Laudrup.

"He hasn't had a good season.

People say that's because he's leaving, but I think he just isn't playing well.

"This though, is his one last chance to shine.

If he plays, and plays well, Rangers play.

"Hearts will know all about that from the last Scottish Cup final.

And for me, that makes Rangers favourites."