RIX HAPPY WITH CALL-UPS

Hearts head coach Graham Rix has applauded the international call-ups for striker Calum Elliot and midfielder Rudi Skacel.

Elliot, 18, has been drafted into the Scotland Under-21 squad for the friendly against Iceland on February 28 by interim coach Maurice Malpas.

But Skacel, 26, has also been handed a call-up to the Czech Republic squad for the friendly in Turkey on March 1.

The on-loan Marseille playmaker has scored 16 times for the Tynecastle club this season.

Rix said: "I am delighted for both the lads. I am really pleased for Calum and his call-up is thoroughly deserved.

"Calum appreciates this is just a start and he knows he'll need to keep working hard.

"I'm happy for both him and Hearts, it demonstrates we have an excellent youth structure behind the scenes and, when you look at the current progress of our Under-19 team, who reached the semi-final of the Youth Cup following a 1-0 victory at Rangers on Sunday, things are progressing very well.

"Rudi again is totally deserving of his place in the Czech Republic squad for their friendly.

"He has had a great season so far and has been very important to us.

"His call-up is not just a recognition of his talent but also of his hard work.

"He now has a great target to go for with the forthcoming World Cup competition in the summer."

Skacel has not played for his country but has broken into the squad ahead of the World Cup in the summer.

Karel Bruckner's team will face Italy, United States and Ghana in Group E.

But the former Slavia Prague player Skacel insists his sole focus is on helping Hearts in the Bank of Scotland Premier League and the Tennent's Scottish Cup.

Skacel said: "I am happy with this call-up. It is a positive step as the Czech squad is very strong.

"I am not thinking as far ahead as the World Cup at this stage as my first priority remains with Hearts and I want to focus on bringing success to Tynecastle."

Taken from sportinglife.com