Rudi is ready to be the spark that ignites power-charged atmosphere

PAUL KIDDIE

HEARTS star Rudi Skacel can't think of a better occasion to break his derby duck than tomorrow's sell-out showdown with city rivals Hibs.

The midfielder is no stranger to the intensity of such matches having played in some of the Continent's biggest clashes.

Having run a gauntlet of hate in Greece when Panathinaikos met Olympiakos, starred for Slavia Prague against Czech neighbours Sparta and coped with the pressure when Marseille went head to head with Paris St Germain in France, the prospect of lining up in his first Edinburgh derby tomorrow afternoon is not something which fazes him.

Skacel was yesterday named in the Czech Republic's squad for the forthcoming World Cup qualifier against Sweden and he's determined to celebrate with another goal for his new club.

The loan star made a scoring start to his Hearts career in the 4-2 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park last weekend and is determined to try to continue that form. "I have never scored in a derby before so, who knows, maybe tomorrow," he said. "I know what these games mean to the supporters and it would be a great time to get a goal.

"This is a huge game for Edinburgh but to be honest it's just a normal match for me.

"I have played in the Greek derby when Panathinaikos faced Olympiakos and I don't think tomorrow's game is going to be like that. You have to see it to believe it but it's war. No away supporters are allowed in the grounds as it is too dangerous for them. That was Greece, though, and this is Scotland, and I'm really looking forward the match tomorrow."

Skacel was one of the outstanding performers in Ayrshire as the George Burley reign got off to the best possible start with victory over Killie, fellow debutant Roman Bednar, Saulius Mikoliunas and Paul Hartley also on the scoresheet.

Judging by the evidence of his display against Jim Jefferies' side, the Czech star, who is on a year's loan from Marseille, will adapt easily to the challenge of the SPL, where he admits to being pleased by the standard.

"It is very early obviously to make any judgments. Ask me in a year's time and I will be in a better position to compare," he said.

"There is a good level here, though, and very strong. Last week's match was very fast and it actually reminded me of French football.

"I was delighted to score on my debut but it was more important that the team win. It is the same tomorrow. Taking the three points is what we want.

"The fans were great last week but tomorrow we're at home where there will be a great atmosphere inside the stadium and hopefully we can get another victory."

Burley was delighted with the performance of Skacel, Bednar and Edgaras Jankauskas in the SPL opener and is looking forward to seeing them continue to improve as the season progresses. He said: "The three new guys fitted in very well against Kilmarnock, which was important. But overall it's about forming a team, its shape and consistency and that only comes with people working together.

"There were a lot of positives from Rugby Park but there were also areas where we can improve and that's what we want to do.

"It's fairly early as far as our team progress is concerned. Our pre-season has been crammed, we have had new players coming in who haven't been fully fit but we are forming a good side with good talent. And that makes it easier to mould them into a team."

He added: "It was a tremendous achievement for Hibs to finish third last season. They have virtually the same squad this season with one or two additions. They will be stronger than last year and this will be good test for ourselves considering where we finished last season.

"I know I have a stronger squad, the boys are working well and we're confident of getting the right result. I obviously know Tony and Mark [Venus] well but it's not about us tomorrow. The important thing is how your team does. I am sure Tony will be thinking along the same lines."

Taken from the Scotsman