VALDAS TIPS SKACEL TO STAY AFTER COSY CHAT

VALDAS IVANAUSKAS believes Rudi Skacel could sign a new Hearts deal after the caretaker boss revealed they've kissed and made up.

Skacel stormed out of Tynecastle after being axed from the Jambos side that went on to dump Dunfermline 4-0 last week.

Ivanauskas insisted he has spoken to Skacel this week and dropped the biggest hint yet the on-loan Marseille midfielder could even extend his stay in Gorgie beyond this season.

The Lithuanian said: "I spoke with Rudi this week and we need him as he is such an important player for this team.

"I asked for Rudi's opinions and I gave him my opinions and we had a good discussion.

"He is fine and back in the squad to face Kilmarnock - everything is okay.

"Will Rudi be staying at Hearts next season? I have a good feeling about that."

The Jambos take on Killie at Tynecastle today knowing a win would be good enough at the very least to claim a UEFA Cup spot and cement third spot in the SPL.

But Ivanauskas insists his Hearts team are after a whole lot more than just a place in the competition that's often branded the Consolation Cup.

His team are in pole position to grab second spot and a Champions League berth as they lead Alex McLeish's men by three points and have a superior goal difference of 12.

Ivanauskas said: "It is nice that if we beat Kilmarnock we could clinch a UEFA Cup spot but the players want more than that.

"This is a hard game and they beat us at Rugby Park when we last played them.

"They are a strong side and this will be a difficult match but Hearts need all three points.

"We will be playing the top five teams in Scotland after the split and every team wants to win when they play against us.

"We have good quality in the team. We have had a great season and the club as well as the fans are very happy.

"Hearts have a great chance to win the Scottish Cup and gain entry into the Champions League so why not."

Taken from the Daily Record