Queen of the South defender Jamie McQuilken is aiming for Scottish Cup final glory on Saturday - less than two years after fearing for his football future.

The 33-year-old looks set to be handed a starting slot when the Doonhamers, of the Irn-Bru First Division, tackle Old Firm giants Rangers at Hampden.

It has been a fairytale run to the final for the Dumfries club - and the national stadium showpiece is the culmination of a rollercoaster two years for McQuilken.

He was rushed to hospital in his home city of Glasgow, suffering a suspected heart attack, hours after helping former team Gretna to a 1-1 draw at home to Livingston in September 2006.

The frightening moment came just four months after he played in the cup final for the Black and Whites against Hearts, a match Gretna lost on penalties following a battling performance against their Premier League opponents.

Initial tests led to doctors informing McQuilken he was unlikely to ever kick another ball.

But a few weeks later he was given the all-clear to resume training and begin his comeback after being told he had the condition pericarditis - an inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart.

McQuilken, who hopes to make his 57th appearance for Queens against the beaten UEFA Cup finalists, said: "I was just about to have my dinner when I said to my wife that I didn't feel very great.

"I asked her to go and get my phone from my car as I wanted to give Kenny Crichton, our physio, a phone to see what might be wrong.

"But by the time she came back I was doubled up and in tears because of this pain in my chest. My arm was all tingly and so were my fingers so I knew there was something wrong with my heart.

"I asked Natalie to get me an ambulance and that was when she started to panic. All sorts of tests were carried out once I got to hospital. I was kept in overnight and it looked as if I had suffered a heart attack.

"I was constantly wired up to a heart monitor. I was told that there has been significant damage to my heart going by the blood test results.

"Then the doctor told me that it was unlikely that I would play football again. I can't explain what I felt at that time. I think I just went numb.

"It turned out my heart was fine. I had suffered from a condition called pericarditis which is an inflammation of the sac which surrounds the heart. The doctor said I would make a full recovery and could play again."

Queens are guaranteed a heroes' reception whatever the result against Walter Smith's men. Dumfries has been buzzing this week with more than 15,000 supporters ready to travel to the south side of Glasgow.

Whatever the result, an open-top bus parade around Dumfries will take place on Sunday afternoon with local people urged to line the streets and celebrate the club's first Scottish Cup final appearance in their 89-year history.

Manager Gordon Chisholm admits his players face a daunting task but has vowed not to go to Hampden intent on just making up the numbers.

He said: "We are under no illusions about the final. It is going to be a very difficult game for us and we will need a wee bit of luck on the day.

"Rangers have a squad of quality, international players and we are going to need to work so hard and put in an amazing performance if we are to be successful."

Club chairman David Rae has been stunned by the amount of coverage the club have received since defeating Aberdeen 4-3 in last month's cup semi-final - but is loving every minute of it.

Rae said: "This is a fantastic time for the club and we have really put ourselves on the map.

"I thought there was an incredible amount of attention on us building up to the semi-final but after we beat Aberdeen people were telling me that was going to be nothing compared to the build-up to the final. They have been right."

Queens captain Jim Thomson will proudly lead his team-mates into battle against Rangers and hopes enthusiastic fans are waiting to welcome them to Hampden just like they did against Aberdeen.

He said: "We all remember what it was like when we arrived last time on the bus with all of the Queens fans cheering us into the stadium. That was fantastic.

"I had a wee lump in my throat when I was looking out of the window and more of the same would be much appreciated."