From Lindsay Herron at Hampden

ON November 27 the world of DaMarcus Beasley was sent crashing when his knee was badly injured in a thumping challenge from Stuttgart keeper Raphael Schafer.

The outlook was bleak for the American star who had been a key contributor up to that part but he returned in triumph at Hampden today, scoring one and creating the winner in the dramatic 3-2 Scottish Cup Final win over Queen of the South.

It was his first start since that fateful night in the Gottlieb-Daimler and he played a huge part in the 75 minutes he was involved.

He said: "It's a great feeling. I came to Rangers to win trophies and we got two out of four. I wasn't part of the first one but I was made to feel involved and I felt it was a great team effort today from the boys.

"A lot of the guys were tired because it was the last game of the season but it was a cup final; we came to get the Cup and we got it.

"It was great to start the game. I didn't find out until this morning so I was a little nervous and the butterflies were flying but once I got out there it was fine. The boys gave me confidence to play my game.

"It was great to get a goal because I want to play my part to help this team and then I was so pleased that Boydy got on the end of my corner to score.

"My first corner wasn't great but I got a second chance and I knew that if I could put it into a good area we have Carlos, Davie, big Lee and of course Boydy who can all score and that's what happened today.

"It's a great way to finish the season but I've got a busy summer ahead. My next game is at Wembley on Wednesday when the US is playing England so that will be good and then I have more international matches.

"But I am excited about next season already. We have had a taste of things this year and we want to do even better next year."

WATCH BEASLEY AND WALTER SMITH ON RANGERS WORLD