In 2008 he played a starring role for Portsmouth in a famous win against Cardiff City. Curiously, he was partnered in centre midfield beside former Ibrox idol Pedro Mendes who was brilliant.
I came on as a substitute, replacing the now QPR manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for the last 20 minutes.
Kranjcar's contribution at Wembley that day was simply breathtaking.
Attacking midfielders are often the chief composers for team's attacking threat. Awareness, creativity, precision are words that spring to mind when describing the craft.
They seek out and explore space between opposition, midfield and defence probing for the incisive pass, always scanning for the next opportunity.
In addition, they have to be able to turn with the ball under pressure, dribble past defenders and score goals. It becomes clear why the attacking midfielder is such a valuable role.
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Kranjcar is the depiction of such a player. However, having watched him struggle against an industrious Hamilton on Saturday at a packed Ibrox, I couldn't help think he was a shadow of the opponent I faced in that FA Cup final.
The Croatian looked laboured, was caught in possession often and had no impact on the match whatsoever.
There is no question that he isn't up to speed in terms of his match sharpness but Hamilton deserve massive credit as their midfield five didn't give Rangers any time to imprint their usual fluid passing game.
In Ali Crawford the visitors have a very talented attacking midfielder who showed his high-profile adversary how it's done with an exquisite turn and finish for the opening goal.
The question is do Rangers persist with Kranjcar until he finds his sharpness or do they give one of the many other players in the same position an opportunity?
Harry Forrester changed the game when he came on for Rangers with his outstanding assist and positive runs. He looked much more of a threat than Kranjcar.
I hope Kranjcar rediscovers his undoubted ability soon as Scottish football is a better place with a player of his profile and experience and, at 31, he still has a good few years of entertaining supporters before he brings down the curtain on a distinguished career.
Niko Kranjcar is one of the main reasons I don't have an FA Cup winners medal.