GORGIE BOYS GET FRIENDLY BACKING

FORMER Hearts hero Rudi Skacel has backed his old team-mates to keep their UEFA Cup dreams alive against Sparta Prague.

The 27-year-old Czech ace propelled Hearts into Europe with his remarkable 17 goals from midfield last season and helped Hearts split the Old Firm.

Skacel was worshiped by Jambos fans but opted to rejoin former Tynecastle boss George Burley at English Champion ship side Southampton in the summer.

However, he's backing his former club to achieve one of their best ever results in his homeland.

Skacel said: "I hope the win over Aberdeen on Sunday will give Hearts confidence they can go to Prague and win.

"They have to prepare well for this match and obviously play better than they did in the first-leg at Murrayfield.

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"Sparta showed in the first game that they're a strong team but the Jambos have to go there and make some decent chances and try and take the game to their rivals.

"It's only half-time in this tie, there is still 90 minutes to go and everything can change.

"Sparta went to Edinburgh and won 2-0, so why can't Hearts go to Prague and also win 2-0 to take the game into extra-time?

"It is important how they start Thursday's match in Prague. They have to start well and put Sparta under pressure right away.

"They are playing in the UEFA Cup and they have to try everything to go through to the next round."

Taken from the Daily Record