And Dundee's Georgia international defender has received a double boost, with his manager backing him to face the club to which he is likely to move in the summer.

Khizanishvili is believed to be poised to sign for Rangers immediately after the Hampden showdown.

But boss Jim Duffy thinks that the 21-year-old is professional enough to put thoughts of his future aside until then.

Khizanishvili's return to prominence is made all the more remarkable considering his own season did not start until October after 10 months out with a cruciate ligament injury sustained at Celtic Park.

If he's going to Rangers, or anywhere else, then that will be decided after the cup final Dundee boss Jim Duffy

He told his club's website: "To be selected ahead of players of the quality of Shaun Maloney, James McFadden and my own team-mate, Lee Wilkie, makes me very proud.

"To win something like this is always nice, but to get it in the lead-up to the cup final is extra special."

Khizanishvili also disclosed that his father, Nodar, who was in the Dinamo Tblisi team that won the European Cup-winners' Cup in 1981, will not make the cup final, because he is playing football.

Dinamo beat Car Zeiss Jena to lift that trophy and the original teams contest a re-match every year on the anniversary of the final, 13 May.

"This year, it's had to be moved back and Nodar will be in Germany to take part in the match," said Khizanishvili.

"It's unfortunate, but when we do get together again hopefully I'll have a Scottish Cup winners medal to show him."

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Meanwhile, Duffy insisted that Khizanishvili's future had not yet been settled and refuted the notion that there could be any possible conflicts of interests.

"I've no plans to have a talk with Zurab about his situation, as long as he's not waving to the Rangers fans at half-time," he said.

"Seriously, Zurab is different class and a good player and if he's going to Rangers, or anywhere else, then that will be decided after the cup final.

"But he's not signed a pre-contract with Rangers, despite what some people say.

"And I have no doubts whatsoever that his concentration will be spot on for as long as the match lasts on Saturday.

"After the game, he can sit down and decide in which direction he's going to go, whether it's north or south of the border."