Content to keep Hibs playing Skac up

THERE is little argument that Rudi Skacel is no ordinary foreigner in Scottish football, and given the unique atmosphere that surrounds Edinburgh derbies it seems entirely appropriate that the Czech returns to the Hearts side tomorrow.

Arm-waving, badge-kissing, plaudit-claiming Rudi is back to face Hibs after suspension precluded him from involvement at Rugby Park last week when his attacking incisions were glaringly absent.

With tailor-made replacement Neil McCann requiring six weeks to recover from the medial ligament injury he sustained just 24 minutes into his second Hearts debut, Skacel's recall becomes a no-brainer for head coach Graham Rix.

Some comical yet spectator-rousing antics on the field, supplemented by 15 goals in maroon this season, have ensured that Skacel's presence is a virtual necessity for Hearts when push comes to shove, as it often does in derbies.

The 26-year-old indulged in sun-soaked glory last time Hibs crossed the city with the opening goal in a sensational 4-0 triumph. Tomorrow's encounter is almost guaranteed to be a little closer, however.

Last time Hearts locked horns with their greatest adversaries they did so managerless but still as the SPL's leading side, safe in the knowledge that victory would see them ten points to the good of Tony Mowbray's side. Now, after that 2-0 Easter Road defeat in October, Hibs come calling in Gorgie with the scent of blood in their nostrils and Hearts must recognise the struggle they will likely face during the season's second half to retain their Champions League berth.

"My mind is clear before this game because the other derbies are now history. We need three points from this one, it is that simple," noted Skacel. "We have many important games in the coming months and the supporters must help us. In particular, I would say that the next four games are very important for Hearts. These can be the key to our season.

"I know that we have a bit of ground to make up on Celtic. We need to win four games and they must drop a lot of points too. Whether that will happen, who knows? But the task is very simple for us."

The task has not been aided by league statistics since Rix took charge which make Hearts' form look erratic at best. In nine SPL fixtures overseen by the Englishman, only three have produced maximum points.

All the more reason for Skacel's name to be first on the team sheet whenever fit, you would think. But behind the swagger which at times characterises the Czech Republic internationalist, lurks a more humble outlook.

"I may not play," he says with a straight face when it is suggested that McCann's injury presents Rix with a straightforward choice on the left side of midfield. "I hope I am involved and I hope to help my team."

Skacel was back in Prague last weekend whilst Danny Invincibile's goal was condemning his colleagues to defeat in Ayrshire. Rix had granted the player leave during his suspension to reunite himself with family, a gesture which was much appreciated.

"It was good getting the chance to relax in my home country with my family. It was good for my spirit and now I am back and feeling good.

"This next four months is important for everybody. For me, it will be a crucial part of my career. I have a small chance of going to the World Cup and I want to help the Jambos. Maybe the Jambos can help me too.

"I have my family in the Czech Republic, but we have one big family here, and maybe this family can help me whilst I am trying to help them. I want the title. I want the Scottish Cup. If we can get even one of them it will be fantastic for the supporters and perhaps give me an even bigger chance of going to the World Cup."

By that time Skacel's loan contract from French club Marseille will have expired. His trip home last week was timed to coincide with a meeting between his agent, Viktor Kolar, and Hearts' majority shareholder, Vladimir Romanov, during which lengthy discussions centred around the player's future.

Romanov made a favourable financial offer to tie Skacel to Tynecastle permanently, but ultimately only Hearts' on-field fortunes will determine whether a supporters' favourite remains in Edinburgh as the midfielder pauses to see whether the club qualify for Europe and into which competition - Champions League or UEFA Cup - they will go.

"I have a contract until the summer with Hearts and I am happy. That is all," said Skacel. "I am really enjoying my time with Hearts because it is a very productive period for the club and I am relaxed about it. I'm not worried about my future right now.

"I feel very comfortable knowing that the supporters trust me and I try to respond to them. This makes it easier for me. Even when I don't have a good game they still chant my name, so I hope they recognise me as a good player who is doing his best."

In short, the period through to the season's conclusion will be the most critical yet in the career of a player who has appeared for Slavia Prague, Marseille and Panathinaikos as well as Hearts.

With the Czechs drawn in World Cup Group E and facing Italy, the United States and Ghana at the Greatest Show on Earth this summer, any Czech who has ever swung a boot is dreaming of a fairytale inclusion in the squad being drawn up by national coach Karel Bruckner, pictured left.

"This will be the most important period of my career," continued Skacel. "The World Cup is coming up and we have a small chance of taking the title. Even second position would be fantastic because we would qualify for the Champions League. I want to help that. I know the supporters want that too and they have been amazing."

They are sure to be so again at Tynecastle tomorrow, when home affairs will take precedent over the politics of international football for Skacel.

Taken from the Scotsman