Sergio believes Hearts are facing opponents low on confidence and predicts Walker goal will win it

Paulo Sergio reckons he knows Hearts’ secret weapon to fire the Tynecastle club to Scottish Cup glory when they meet Celtic in Sunday’s final at Hampden.

Hearts will be under dogs when facing the Glasgow giants, but the Portuguese manager, who dumped Celtic out of the cup in 2012 on the way to beating Hibs in the final, says his former side are getting the champion sat a good time while their confidence is low.

“I always follow Hearts, and they have been impressive in the league so far,” he said. “I hope they can keep this up as their place is in the Scottish Premiership, not in the Championship. If they can keep this up, I am sure they will be back where they belong next season.

“Both teams are in different moments of confidence. I believe Celtic aren’t in their better days and I am sure Neil Lennon isn’ t happy being second in the league and not doing so well in Europe.

“On the other side Hearts are doing what they can to be promoted to the Scottish Premiership. It is not easy to beat Celtic, but I believe they are not confident and maybe this is a good moment to be playing them to get a result.

“Playing against Celtic in four or five matches, maybe you have the chance to win one. I hope this will be the one for Hearts!”

Asked what his prediction is for the game, Sergio was very specific when discussing the final with cup sponsors William Hill. He said :“I think Hearts will win 1-0 and I predict Jamie Walker will score the goal! He has been with Hearts for so long and deserves to be in the spotlight. I think he can be the one to win it.”

Hearts will be looking to win their first Scottish Cup since one of the best days in the club’s history in 2012 when they defeated their city rivals Hibs 5-1. Sergio was in charge of Hearts that day and looks back fondly on that memorable occasion in May.

“It was an unbelievable moment. We believed so much that we were going to do it after beating Celtic in the semi-final,” he said.

“It was the best achievement (of my career). I would put the Scottish Cup in first place. I’ve won other things at other clubs, but it wasn’t the same. I love Hearts and Edinburgh so much – it is like family.”