Hearts fan Holt relighing Rangers' final clash with Hibs

Jason Holt cheered on Hearts to their famous 5-1 mauling of Hibernian - but reckons shooting the Leith side down with Rangers can be even more fun.

The former Tynecastle youngster grew up supporting the Jambos but was left out of Paulo Sergio's squad for the 2012 Scottish Cup final.

That, though, did not stop him lapping up the historic victory from the stands as Pat Fenlon's Hibees suffered Hampden humiliation at the hands of their bitter rivals.

Now, Holt has the chance on Saturday to play a starring role as his current side Gers look to win their first major trophy in five years.

The 23-year-old will line-up for Mark Warburton's team as they take on Hibs and Holt believes taking part in the tournament's climax will eclipse his last experience of the show-piece occasion.

He said: "Cup finals are what you aspire to as players - you want to play in the biggest games.

"You only really enjoy these games if you win them though.

"As a Hearts fan most of my cup final memories involve them. I attended the 2012 final against Hibs and the one against Gretna as well and have good memories of both.

"I was training with the first team in 2012 and travelled with the squad to take in the day and see what it was all about.

"I sat in the stands but really enjoyed the occasion. You enjoy it a lot more if you win the game and that was the case that day, so I have fond memories.

"Can this Saturday's game match the high of that Hearts victory? Definitely. There is a difference between going to support the team and then actually playing in the game itself. I want to be involved in these big games. It means so much to the club, so we want to go do the business.

"My friends all support Hearts and they will have in their heads that I am a supporter because we're playing Hibs. But for me it's just about going out and doing well personally and for the team to make sure we get the result.''

If Rangers triumph this weekend, they will also secure a return ticket to European action.

Holt has been blown away by the atmosphere the Ibrox faithful have generated during this season's successful promotion drive.

But he is looking forward to the noise levels being turned up another notch if they qualify for next term's Europa League.

"The prospect of playing in Europe is great for any player and this gives us the chance to do so," he said. "If we could bring European nights back to Ibrox it would be unbelievable.

"We have seen the support we've had this season and if it was a European night it would be extra special."

However, Holt knows he need to continue impressing Warburton if he is to carry on being one of the Light Blues' central figures next year.

The midfielder has hit 12 goals in 44 games this term but faces stiff competition after the summer, with Jordan Rossiter, Josh Windass and Matt Crooks already signed up.

Former Manchester City and Newcastle battler Joey Barton could be next to put pen to paper, with Gers hoping a three-year deal will tempt him away from Barclays Premier League new-boys Burnley.

But Holt believes the new additions will only drive on Gers' existing squad.

He said: "Barton is a top player who has played at the highest level in England, so if he was to come in he would only benefit myself and the rest of the players.

"It's been said before that we've got a pretty young squad, so any experience would help and add to a squad.

"Competition is healthy for any squad. It can only help bring each player on leaps and bounds, so any signings will help us kick on.

"If you've got the jersey it's down to you to keep impressing the manager and next season will be no different."