The Bank of Scotland Premier League trophy is guaranteed to be decided on the final day of the season and McLeish knows a slip up in the capital could prove fatal.

Both Old Firm giants have real cup finls to look forward to – the UEFA Cup in Celtic’s case and the Tennent’s Scottish Cup in Rangers’ – but McLeish insisted the Hearts game was the most important fixture for his side.

He told Rangers News: “Sunday’s game has taken on cup final proportions. In fact, it is even more important than a cup final because it could mean the championship.

“So if there is a match this season that would rate higher than a cup final then this is it.”

Hearts have not beaten Rangers since 1998 and have lost the last six clashes.

But Craig Levein’s side still have plenty to play for and will be aiming to clinch third place and a UEFA Cup spot.

Celtic lost at Tynecastle last month and Rangers are treating Sunday’s game as a major hurdle.

McLeish added: “We will be facing a Hearts team who have been playing with a fair bit of confidence since the turn of the year.

“But if my players produce the level of performance they did on Sunday (in the 4-0 win over Kilmarnock) then I would be confident of them winning anywhere.”

Ronald de Boer has experienced last-day heartache during his time at Ajax and is keen to avoid a repeat.

He said: “That was the only time I remember a close call in my career so I hope things work out differently in Glasgow.

“We have the bottle to win the championship at Rangers and have shown that over the whole season.

“I’m really enjoying the title race and it is great for Scottish football that it is going right to the wire.”