WHEN it comes to picking a winner from tonight's Uefa Cup Final between Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg, Jorg Albertz apologises, but says his head must rule his heart.

The Rangers nine-in-a-row hero is in the unique position of having played under both managers while sporting the famous Light Blue.

It was Walter Smith, in his first spell at Ibrox, who brought The Hammer to Govan.

It was Dick Advocaat who railroaded Albertz out the club that will always occupy a special place in the former Germany international's heart.

As he assessed the merits of both coaches ahead of tonight's moment of truth, Jorg admitted the Dutch master may hold the advantage over the man he came to view as a father figure and rates the best man- manager he has worked under.

Albertz said: "As far as the two men rate as coaches, there is nothing to pick between them. Personally, I may not have much admiration for Dick Advocaat and the way he treated me when I was at Rangers, but Dick is a top, top coach.

"He is extremely thorough on the training ground and very methodical. When it comes to doing his homework on the opposition teams there is no one better. He is meticulous.

"You only have to look at what Walter Smith achieved at Rangers the first time round, and then the way he turned Scotland round, to see that Walter is also a top coach.

"Where Walter has the advantage over Dick is that he is the better man-manager. For me, I never worked under a better man-manager.

"I think that shows in the way he has got the absolute maximum out of every player who has performed for Rangers in Europe this season.

"But you have to say Zenit are favourites. Back home in Germany, we were shocked by the way they destroyed Bayern Munich, who were favourites for the Uefa Cup.

"Especially in the second leg, Zenit showed they have some excellent players in all areas. The other thing is that they will have the advantage of fresh and rested legs and the longer the game goes, the more that may become an advantage over a Rangers team who have played in excess of 60 games.

"In Europe, Rangers have played to frustrate, but I wonder the longer the game goes if they will have the gas to do that. But although Rangers are underdogs, I am sure Walter will use that to his advantage."

What the Hammer does not expect from either coach in the City of Manchester Stadium before tonight's game is a Gettysburg Address, or an exhortation for passion play. Albertz believes cool heads and not fiery hearts will win.

He said: "Both Walter and Dick will, I am sure, avoid trying to hype it up in the dressing room. For a start, there is no point. As a top-class pro, if you can't get motivated for a Uefa Cup Final - which for most of the players tonight is likely to be their only European final - then you shouldn't and wouldn't be in either team.

"The other problem with getting players too wound up is they can suffer from something called over-arousal. That means the individual becomes so hyped he cannot perform. But with two experienced managers like Walter and Dick that will not be an issue.

"I expect both will make sure quietly and calmly that everyone knows what they are doing and what the game plan is, and at this stage in the season that is not an issue.

"What matters most is that every player is mentally tuned in to what he has to do and that concentration levels are at a peak. Then when you run down the tunnel and onto the field and cross the white line it is about what you do as a player.

"What I have no doubt about is that the preparations of both teams will have been immaculate."

While Zenit will be without the Uefa Cup's top scorer, 10-goal Russian international Pavel Pogrebnyak, Advocaat's side welcome back influential play-maker, Andrei Arshavn, who missed the four-goal second leg semi-final demolition of Bayern.

And, in the face of the Russian champions' superior fire power, Albertz believes Smith has no option but to remain true to the 4-5-1 formation that has helped take the Ibrox side to their first European final in 36 years.

The Hammer said: "I don't care what people say about Rangers not playing attractively, not being good to watch, what matters is winning.

"I know there has been talk of Rangers changing and going with two up front, but I don't see that happening.

"In Europe you stick with what has worked for you and Rangers have been very successful with the 4-5-1.

"Walter will know Zenit have the advantage in terms of quality, whereas Rangers' strength lies in their collective effort and work ethic. I would be amazed if Walter changes that because, as he has said, that would not be playing to Rangers' strengths."

When it came to delivering his verdict Albertz, who will be supporting Gers in the City of Manchester Stadium tonight, favours the Russians.

The Hammer said: "Nothing would give me more pleasure than Rangers winning tonight, but although it breaks my heart to say it I think Zenit may edge it."