Fans' favourite Nacho Novo fired Rangers to a domestic double with the winner in a 1-0 victory over Falkirk in the Homecoming Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.

The diminutive striker heaped more Hampden heartache on the Bairns months after his double sent them crashing out of the League Cup, netting his ninth goal of the season to help Rangers claim the trophy for the 33rd time.

Novo proved to be the difference between the two teams and his sizzling strike ensured he even managed to steal the show from Barry Ferguson, who was handed his first start for Rangers since his involvement in the infamous 'Boozegate' affair.

The deposed skipper was drafted into the starting line-up along with Lee McCulloch after Pedro Mendes and Maurice Edu were ruled out through injury.

Rangers swapped Kris Boyd for Novo at the break and the substitution proved to be inspired when the Spaniard opened the scoring just 29 seconds into the second half. He collected a Sasa Papac throw before unleashing a ferocious 40-yard volley which left Dani Mallo with no chance in the Falkirk goal.

The Bairns thought they had hauled themselves back into the game when substitute Finnigan had the ball in the back of the net within moments of being on the park, but the offside flag was already raised before he unleashed the shot.