PAUL GASCOIGNE made his mark long before the action started. A second look at a group of ball boys kicking a ball around one of Hampden's goal mouths revealed three youngsters and a larger person, no longer an adult but a lad once more. Gascoigne, his club blazer lying on the ground, was the target for crosses from both flanks as he attempted to score against a third youngster guarding the goal.

It took Archie Knox, the assistant manager of Rangers, to drag him towards the dressing rooms.

It was at that point Hearts lost the cup. Gary Locke, their captain, was taken off with a knee injury before 10 minutes of the game had passed and Gilles Rousset, the goalkeeper, allowed a harmless cross from Brian Laudrup to go through his legs for Rangers' second goal - but Hearts' defeat began with that knockabout in front of an empty stadium.

Gascoigne had promised to enjoy himself in this, his second cup final, and here was the proof that he was ready to make this his day. He did have a large say in proceedings, but even his presence was overshadowed by two mighty performances. Laudrup demonstrated his breathtaking array of skills, while Gordon Durie was the chief recipient as the two shared the goals. Durie had milked his moment, scoring the first hat-trick in the Scottish Cup final since Dixie Deans helped Celtic beat Hibernian 6-1 in 1972.

Rangers' margin might have surpassed that of 1972 but for a series of superb saves by Rousset. A dive to his left to touch away a first-half Richard Gough header was magnificent, yet when Hearts were most in need of inspiration he proved vulnerable.

Time stood still for Rousset in the 49th minute. A harmless looking Laudrup cross required little more than a pick-up, but slippery hands and open legs ensured the ball travelled agonisingly over the line. That goal added to a beautifully-worked opener for Rangers in the 37th minute, when Durie and Laudrup exchanged passes for the Dane to advance on Rousset and shoot into the corner.

Two goals to the good, Rangers produced some of the best football of the season. In the 67th minute Durie added a third and, although John Colquhoun added a consolation for Hearts, two more devastating finishes by Durie and Rangers' day was complete.