MARK WARBURTON is gutted Dominic Ball will miss out on a Scottish Cup final spot after being booked against Celtic on Sunday.

The on-loan Spurs kid turned in a terrific performance at Hampden as Warburton’s side clinched a dramatic Old Firm shoot-out success.

Ball was booked in the second half for an innocuous foul on Leigh Griffiths and is now suspended for the final showdown with Hibernian next month.

Warburton said: “Gutted for him. This rule, not that we can change it now, I hate to see any player of any team miss a final. Dom Ball was outstanding for a lad of 20-years-old playing out of position.

“He misses the final for a fairly innocuous yellow card. That’s tough.

“It is above my pay grade, but I think there should be some sort of rule change. When players are missing maybe a once-in-a-lifetime experience it’s a harsh one.

“I’m not sure [when he found out]. I saw his mum and dad and him in a bar where I live in the West End and he was in a great mood.

“I thought ‘I’m not sure you know Dom’ so I wasn’t going to tell him [on Sunday] night.

“I think he knew on the coach. But, again, it is testament to a 20-year-old’s character that he never showed. He had a good night with his family.

“But it’s harsh on him, really harsh, and a big miss for us.”

Ball was influential in midfield and defensive roles as the Light Blues emerged as deserved winners from an enthralling derby day clash.

Arsenal kid Gedion Zelalem slotted home from the spot as the Gers won 5-4 on penalties and Warburton is keen to bring both players back to Ibrox next term.

He said: “We have to give feedback and talk to them and between now and the end of the season we will certainly speak to them and find out what their plans are.

“They might have very different plans. They may already have loans allocated for those particular players. But what we have to do is show a loan at Rangers is beneficial for their assets.

“They are two very talented boys and they fit in fantastically well within the group.”