Source: Team_Talk
Drinkell expects cup final classic
Rangers are looking to clinch the double after Sunday's 3-0 victory over Dundee United earned them their first SPL title in four years.
Falkirk are also going into the Homecoming Scottish Cup final on a high after escaping the drop with a 1-0 victory at Inverness last weekend.
And Drinkell believes the release of pressure could make for an exciting afternoon at Hampden.
"Both teams have accomplished a lot this year so the shackles should be off and we should get a good game," Drinkell said.
"It's difficult playing under the tension and pressures but the bounce back from that is that everybody should be relaxed.
"Rangers were under a lot of pressure to stop Celtic winning four championships in a row. They have managed so they should be relaxed.
"And it's the same for the Falkirk boys. There are some great players on both teams and I hope they will show their true qualities."
Drinkell suspects Falkirk may cause Rangers some problems after escaping the drop, despite trailing at the bottom of the SPL for most of the final three months of the season.
"They have had a fantastic season now," the Englishman said.
"With staving off relegation last week, they should be relaxed.
"They should be looking forward to the game and I think they will give Rangers a couple of frights early doors."
Former Grimsby and Norwich forward Drinkell knows both management teams well, having played alongside Rangers assistant boss Ally McCoist when current manager Walter Smith worked under Graeme Souness.
Drinkell is also a former team-mate of Falkirk management pair John Hughes and Brian Rice and he believes both teams will be well prepared - despite the contrasting styles of both dugouts.
"Walter has the experience," Drinkell said. "He has a calming influence and can help people through that.
"John is relatively young for a manager but he is more driven. He leads by example and does a great job. He works hard with the players and is very diligent.
"I have got a lot of friends involved and split loyalties, I'm just looking for a great game."
Meanwhile, Drinkell is sure Smith will have no qualms about handing former skipper Barry Ferguson his first start for the club since his suspension for his role in the 'Boozegate' affair.
"Walter has got to do what is right for the team," Drinkell said.
"There are injuries to Maurice Edu and maybe Pedro Mendes and Barry is the automatic choice to come back into the team.
"He'll want to win the cup and if it means putting Barry in, he will do that."
