CHIS READY FOR KICK-OFF; SCOTTISH CUP FINAL.

Byline: By IAIN CAMPBELL 

GORDON CHISHOLM last night insisted he had no regrets about today's Hampden clash with Rangers becoming the "forgotten final".

Scotland has been focused on the SPL title rac, which was only concluded on Thursday, and the UEFA Cup final for the entire month of May which has also been darkened by the tragic death of Tommy Burns.

Now Queen of the South have been thrown into the centre stage that is the Scottish Cup final like a last minute extra, but Chis is hoping the breathless schedule will help his Division One shock-troopers.

He admitted: "It's allowed us to prepare nice and quietly.

"I'm not too bothered about it. Obviously the priority for Rangers this week was to try and win the SPL title.

"That's over shadowed the final a little bit but we're still enjoying the build-up.

"The Scottish Cup might have been second on Rangers list of priorities this week but it's top of ours, trust me."

Now Queens are hoping to shock Rangers the way they stunned Aberdeen - ironically the side which ended the Ibrox club's title chances - this afternoon.

Chisholm said: "One of the things I'll say to the boys before the game is think about the semi-final.

"We didn't go there and freeze last time so there's no reason why they should this time.

"It's a bigger occasion with a full house but I think they've got the character. I don't think I have boys who will buckle.

"If they were going to do that then I think it would have happened in the semi-final when Aberdeen kept pegging us back.

"Instead they showed great character and spirit and I'll be expecting exactly the same thing from them on Saturday."

CAPTION(S):

BOSS Gordon Chisholm