Super-sub Nacho Novo's 30-yard thunderbolt secured Rangers their first league and cup double since 2005 with victory over Falkirk at Hampden Park.

The 30-year-old Spaniard, a half-time substitute for Kris Boyd, unleashed a thumping drive that eluded Bairns stopper Dani Mallo and flew into the top corner, just 35 seconds after his introduction.

Veteran winger Neil McCann, playing against his former club, had the first clear cut opportunity of the match for Falkirk but his measured shot clipped the top of the crossbar on the way over on 17 minutes.

And just six minutes later McCann had another glorious chance to break the deadlock but his sliding shot drifted just wide of Neil Alexander's goal.

Rangers were lacklustre in the opening 45 minutes, forcing manager Walter Smith into drastic action as he replaced top scorer Boyd with Novo, and it immediately paid off.

Once Novo had found the net the SPL champions were galvanised and almost doubled their advantage when Northern Ireland international Kyle Lafferty saw his snapshot blocked on the hour mark.

Novo had the chance to put the game to bed with just five minutes remaining on the clock but he headed over from Kenny Miller's cross.

And Falkirk striker Steve Lovell struck a post at the death as his side pressed for an equaliser but Rangers held out to capture the Scottish Cup for the 33rd time in their 136-year history.