Skacel heading for Hearts exit at end of season

Rudi Skacel looks set to leave Hearts at the end of the season. The Herald understands that the player and club have fallen out over the lack of a permanent offer to keep him at Tynecastle, and the fact he was dropped from the squad to face Dunfermline on Saturday.

The Czech internationalist has only been on loan this season and is still contracted to Marseille in France.

He started the season with a bang, and his ability to score goals from midfield made him a huge favourite with the Hearts supporters.

However, since the turn of the year his form has taken a dip and players such as Bruno Aguiar have been brought in to strengthen the midfield area.

Skacel, in an interview with a newspaper in his native Czech Republic, admitted he was unclear as to what the future held for him after he was put on the bench against Celtic at Parkhead last Wednesday and then dropped completely for the Dunfermline match at Tynecastle.

"Nobody explained anything to me, I feel strange about this," said Skacel. "I did not play last Wednesday. They said that I was tired and needed a rest before the important matches.

"I am disappointed because I am perfectly fit and ready to play immediately."

He admitted he had no idea where he would be playing his football next season. "I will probably not return to Marseille as I am not even in contact with the club,"said Skacel. "I think that none of them can count on my return."

Hearts fans are expected to begin the race for tickets for the Tennent's Scottish Cup final next week after the club was told yesterday they would get at least 30,800 for the match against Gretna on May 13.

The Tynecastle club have said they are satisfied with the Scottish Football Association's allocation for the Hampden meeting, with the second division club receiving an initial share of 6900.

Both teams could receive an increase in their original allowance depending on demand.

Taken from the Herald