Magical Eve Muirhead issues stirring Olympic rallying cry after completing Miri-curl on Beijing ice

Eve Muirhead urged the nation to set their alarms as she booked her place in the Olympic curling final with a victory even her coach admitted defied the odds, a true Miri-curl on Ice.

It's two decades since 5.6 million viewers stayed up past midnight to watch Rhona Martin deliver her 'Stone of Destiny' to claim curling gold in Salt Lake City.

Muirhead's final with Japan - a revenge match after a last-ditch defeat in the bronze medal game four years ago - will start at 1am. So, perhaps, just don't bother going to bed.

Britain have never won two gold medals at the same Winter Olympics but in the space of just 24 hours this weekend, men’s skip Bruce Mouat and Muirhead will have the chance to write their own history. Curling really could be coming home.

"I’m buzzing to know people are going to be up watching us and that gives us an extra boost to make everyone proud back," said Muirhead, 31.

"I remember 20 years ago staying up to watch Rhona win that medal. You dream of doing the same and I know the other girls here did exactly that, let’s hope we have the whole of Britain behind us again.

"I’m not sure it’s really sunk in just yet but I’ve got every gold medal, apart from the Olympic one. Of course, there have been times when you doubt whether you’ll get the chance but here we are.

"We fought for our spots here, we showed we’ve got so much talent as a team, we’ve got so much drive and fight, it’s an absolute dream come true. I’m pretty speechless to be honest.

"The strength of the field here is incredible, I remember looking at the draw and you couldn't tick anyone off, it was scary. We've proven we can be the best team in the world and now we get the chance to play for that Olympic gold medal."

Muirhead produced a