GLASGOW (AFP) - Rangers booked their place in the final of the Scottish League Cup with a 2-0 victory over Hearts at Hampden on Wednesday.

A controversial second half opener from Barry Ferguson - after he appeared to handle - was followed by a simple tap-in for French forward Jean-Claude Darcheville, as the Ibrox club moved a step closer to winning their first silverware in almost three years.

Hearts had already knocked Celtic out of the competition in the previous round and were looking to complete an Old Firm double.

However, it was Rangers who had the first real effort on goal in the 17th minute.

Chris Burke's cross fell to Charlie Adam and his powerful volley was heading for the roof of the net until Hearts goalkeeper Steve Banks dived to his left to push the ball away.

In the 41st minute only the woodwork prevented Hearts going in front.

Icelander Eggert Jonsson's cross was met by Lithuanian striker Andrius Velicka and his looping header beat Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor only to bounce off the top of the crossbar to safety.

But in the 50th minute Rangers took the lead.

Burke's cross found Ferguson at the penalty spot and although the Rangers captain appeared to use his hand to control the ball referee Mike McCurry allowed play to continue and the Scottish international sent a left-foot overhead kick into the corner of the net beyond Banks.

An attempted cross by Darcheville spun towards goal in the 60th minute, requiring Banks to tip the ball onto his crossbar to keep out.

Hearts should have been back on level terms two minutes later when French striker Christian Nade put Velicka clean through on goal but, with only the goalkeeper to beat, the Lithuanian smashed a first time shot from 18-yards harmlessly wide.

And in the 69th minute Rangers secured their final place when Burke drove the ball across the face of goal and presented Darcheville with the simple task of finishing into the empty net from point-blank range.

The Glasgow club will now face either Aberdeen or Dundee United, who play their re-arranged semi-final on Tuesday, February 5.