Nacho Novo fired Rangers to a domestic double with the winner in the Homecoming Scottish Cup final against Falkirk.

Fans' favourite Nacho Novo fired Rangers to a domestic Double with the winner as they beat Falkirk 1-0 in the Homecoming Scottish Cup final.

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.

The narrow defeat was a bitter pill for Falkirk to swallow after waiting 12 years for another crack at the silverware they last won back in 1957.

However, 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 'Boozegate'.

Rangers assistant manager Ally McCoist said: "Looking at the context of the game and the quality of the goal, it will take some beating.

"It's certainly one of the great goals to win any cup final in any country."

Meanwhile, McCoist offered hope to Ferguson that he may be at the club next season.

After Pedro Mendes and Maurice Edu failed fitness tests, the 31-year-old made his first start for two months, since being suspended by the club following his part in the 'Boozegate' affair.

"He's got another year of his contract to go," McCoist said. "I'm hopeful that Barry will be here next year lifting the cup."

Falkirk boss John Hughes said: "I thought they were all heroes. I'm so proud of them, even when they went a goal behind they kept going and digging in.

"We played football the way it should be played. Sometimes you can take defeat a little bit easier when you see it done like that. And it was a wonder goal.

"I saw wee Nacho coming on at half-time and I thought 'aw, no, here we go' because he has punished us at times and he did it again."