David Templeton believes Barrie McKay will be Hearts' main threat at Hampden against Rangers.
The winger, who is aiming for a stunning return to football, played alongside the attacker during his time at the Light Blues and has always been a big fan of his talents.
McKay has had an impressive season for Hearts this campaign and was rewarded with a new long-term deal at the club.
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READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Hearts and Rangers winger David Templeton eyeing up playing RETURN
Rangers and Hearts went head to head in the final Premiership game of the campaign last week with Giovanni van Bronckhorst's men running out 3-1 winners.
But Templeton says that game will have no factor on the outcome of the Scottish Cup Final.
Craig Gordon, Liam Boyce and Ellis Simms are three other players name-checked by the 33-year-old to play a big part.
Speaking exclusively to Glasgow Live Sport, he said: "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."
On former Rangers and current Hearts star McKay, he added: "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."
Templeton used to watch Gordon as a kid while he was at Hearts.
The Scotland No1 has become accustomed to making the impossible look very ordinary.
And he is still in awe to this day at just how good the 39-year-old is.
He said: "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."
