Skacel's amazing feet put Burley in seventh heaven

Seven straight wins have fired the imaginations not only of Hearts fans but also supporters of Scottish football tired of the tedious two-horse race which is invariably played out between the Old Firm. Only the most begrudging Celtic and Rangers followers could deny that Hearts are a real breath of fresh air.

Whether they have the staying power to last the course, only time will tell. However, what this hard-earned Highland win proves is that they certainly have the steel to match their silk. Time and again this season, Hearts have played with style and guile but here they proved they can also graft when required. ''This is a new one on me," remarked manager George Burley. "Never before as a manager have I won eight [including one CIS Cup tie] on the trot. This win was especially satisfying. It was wet, windy, and certainly not a day for free-flowing football. It was our worst attacking performance so far but, in terms of work-rate and application, the players were at their best."

Burley then went on to pay tribute to goal-a-game Rudi Skacel, who must have his sights on Mark Viduka's record with Celtic of scoring in 10 consecutive league games.

"Rudi is a joy to have around," said Burley. "His enthusiasm is infectious and to score in every game so far, especially from midfield, is an amazing feat." And amazing feet. Skacel displayed nifty footwork just short of the half-hour to score the winner, a something-out-of-nothing goal. From the muddle of a congested penalty box, the Czech turned in a flash to place his shot low past Mark Brown. So the Hearts bandwagon keeps rolling along. Next stop is Wednesday for a CIS League Cup tie at Livingston. "We don't have a big squad but perhaps there's a case for resting a few players for this one, and then there's Saturday's big one," said Burley, who will have no problem motivating his players for the Tynecastle showdown with champions Rangers.

Match details

Inverness CT: (4-4-2): Brown; Tokely, Dods, Munro, Golabek; Wilson (Morgan 77), McBain (Fox h-t), Black, Proctor; Brewster, Dargo (Hart 85).
Subs: Fraser (g), Duncan, Finnigan, Parratt.
Booked: Black, Brewster.
Hearts (4-4-2): Gordon; Neilson, Pressley, Webster, Fyssas (Wallace 65); Hartley, McAllister (Camazzola 55), Skacel, Brellier; Bednar, Jankauskas (Simmons 88).
Subs: Banks (g), Berra, Cesnauskis, Elliot.
Goal: Skacel (28).
Booked: Skacel.

Referee: M McCurry.

Taken from telegraph.co.uk