David Templeton has hailed the job Robbie Neilson has done with Hearts this season as he reserved special praise for Barrie McKay and Craig Gordon.
The Jambos finished the Premiership campaign in third spot and will battle it out with Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final tomorrow.
Lifting silverware would top off an already brilliant campaign for the Tynecastle side, who will play European group stage football next season.
READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Hearts and Rangers winger David Templeton eyeing up playing RETURN
Speaking exclusively to Edinburgh Live Sport, he said: "Robbie has done brilliant. They've got a good staff there with Gordon Forrest and Lee McCulloch as well.
"The shape they are playing is becoming more modern in football (3-4-3) and it allows them to play really good football.
"Barrie McKay, who I know well, is flying. He can get into pockets, get on the ball and create for them. I think he is one of the top assists in the league.
"They've had a brilliant season. Considering they've only came up - I know they are a massive club - but to come up and finish straight into third and European football with guaranteed group stages. It really is brilliant.
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Asked if last weekend's game at Tynecastle would play on the minds of the Hearts players, he added: "That game won't matter much to be honest.
"It's the end of the season and both teams weren't really playing for anything.
"I don't think it will have any relevance to the outcome at Hampden whatsoever."
Two key men along the way have been McKay and Gordon - two players Templeton knows well.
He played with Hearts and Scotland star Gordon during his time in the capital while he was a team-mate to McKay at Rangers.
Templeton believes McKay will play a huge part for Hearts at Hampden as he pinpointed two other big players who could have a major say at the national stadium.
He said: "He's got so much ability. It was the same as Rangers when I was with him as a kid.
"He didn't use his pace as much as he should have when he was younger.
"He always wanted to get the ball to feet, but now he is mixing his game up and he is much harder to play against.
"He's a massive player for Hearts. He is their most creative player, most things go through him when they are doing well and he could be a massive player at the weekend.
"He's the main creative threat and I think with Liam Boyce as well - I know he got injured - but hopefully he will be back as he is another big player as is Ellis Simms.
"It gives Barrie when he gets on the ball better options to create."
On Gordon, he added: "He's brilliant. It was the same when I was a kid at Hearts. I used to watch him in training and think 'wow'.
"The saves he is making just now are unbelievable, but when you see him in training it is just normal.
"He's ridiculous. He's the best I have seen.
"The fact that he still seems to be getting better is incredible. His reactions are still unreal."
Hearts are set for a European adventure next season after the success of this campaign.
The Jambos will enter the Europa League play-off round with just ONE tie to navigate to reach the group stages.
But they know they are guaranteed tournament proper football with the safety net of the Conference League.
The club are set to reap the financial rewards with the guarantee of eight European games.
Templeton will always be remembered for THAT goal against Liverpool and he can't wait for Hearts' Euro journey.
And he even admits he will be getting himself along to a couple of games.
Reflecting on his own European experiences, he said: "We were unlucky in terms of the two seasons we had in Europe
"The first season we drew Paks (Hungry) who we beat then we got Tottenham under Harry Redknapp who were flying at the time.
"So we were unlucky that year with the draw not to get to a group stage.
"The following year we had Liverpool. I think that was the year they nearly won the league.
"So the two times we were just very unlucky with the draw we got.
"So to be straight into a group stage is brilliant for the fans. They are guaranteed the away trips. It's an amazing club and the Tynecastle atmosphere will be brilliant.
"It's a brilliant place to play - even as an away player - because the crowd are on top of you and they can be a bit hostile. You can hear the abuse!
"I can't wait. I will be going to a couple of games myself."
