Determined Fulton strives to earn next cup medal

Rob robertson

12 May 1998

HEARTS midfielder Steve Fulton talked last night of how he wanted to earn a Scottish Cup medal with the Tynecastle club on Saturday rather than be handed one, as he was by Celtic as an 18-year-old.

Fulton was on the bench when the Parkhead club defeated Old Firm rivals Rangers in the final by 1-0 in 1989, a win which denied them the treble, but felt because he had not contributed to the victory he didn't really deserve a medal.

This time round, the midfielder, who has been one of the most important players at Tynecastle club this season, will be trying to bring home the third Scottish Cup final medal to the Fulton family.

The first was won by his dad, Norrie, in 1981, when he scored the only goal in the Scottish Junior Cup final for Pollok against Arthurlie, who, ironically, meet again in the same final on Sunday.

The Fultons had gone en masse to the game but Stevie missed the goal by his dad as he was looking for his younger brother, who was lost in the crowd.

On Saturday, the roles will be reversed with Norrie Fulton, now 48, proudly taking his seat in the stand to watch his son trying to bring the Scottish Cup back to Edinburgh.

Last night, Steve talked of the honour of being involved with the current Hearts set-up and how he believed the players would become ''instant legends'' if they managed to beat the Ibrox club.

He also recalled the first time that Scottish Cup silverware found its way into the Fulton household.''

I remember the Junior Cup final of 1981 and how we all felt when my dad was in the team that won the cup,'' said Fulton.''

It was a great moment for all of us and hopefully I can create the same feeling for the family and my kids and the rest of the Hearts supporters in my cup final.''

Turning his attention to the cup final with Celtic against Rangers, when he sat on the bench, Fulton said: ''I did play in the semi-final against Hibs, which we won 3-1, but broke my hand in the process and didn't play in our final five league games.''

Because of that I lost my place in the starting line-up and spent the cup final as a substitute hoping for the 90 minutes I would get on the pitch.''

Even so, I was pleased at the age of 18 to even be on the bench for the game but I felt I hadn't really earned the right to pick up a medal.

If I am lucky enough to play against Rangers this time round I will feel differently and really believe I had earned the honour.

Fulton has been one of Scotland's most consistent players this season, only missing one match so far for Hearts, their semi-final victory over Falkirk.

However, the only hiccup in his otherwise successful season was an injury which kept him out of the Scotland B team who played Norway at Tynecastle.''

I have enjoyed my season but I must admit missing the chance to show Craig Brown what I could do was a big disappointment,'' said Fulton.''

As for our league campaign, I believe we have done well although the boys are a bit disappointed at the way our season petered out.''

Fulton will be one of the most important players for Hearts in the cup final and his experience and strong running will be vital for the club's success.

It has been his passes into space which have created chances for Stephane Adam, Neil McCann and Jim Hamilton, who comes back into contention for the final after missing the last three games of the season through injury.

Fulton has already appeared in two cup finals for Hearts, in both of which he finished on the losing side.

The first was the 5-1 defeat by Rangers in the Scottish Cup of two years ago and the other a 4-3 defeat in a Coca-Cola Cup final six months later, again at the hands of the Ibrox club.

The 27-year-old believes Hearts can make it third time lucky and record their first cup success under Jim Jefferies.

Certainly his father, one of the most prolific strikers in junior football, thinks they can do it.

The larger than life character, who scored 50 goals in one season with Pollok, believes his son is playing his best football ever and can be a major influence on the game.''

If you matched my enthusiasm with Steve's skill you would have a special sort of player who would be one of the stars in the World Cup,'' said Norrie.''

I was 100% enthusiasm and scored a lot of goals, while Stevie is a clever player who can find feet, play good balls into space.''

He will be the first to admit he hasn't always applied himself properly but this time round he has been dedicated and it has shown in his play.''

Fulton senior also believes Hearts will beat Rangers, a result he said, which would make him very proud.''

If Hearts get the first goal I can't see Rangers beating them.

All the family will be there cheering Stevie on as they were when I played in the junior cup final.

It's going to be a great occasion for all of us.''

Taken from the Herald