Hearts star Rudi Skacel: SPL's U21 rule is bull and holds back kids from developing

Oct 17 2011 Gary Ralston

RUDI SKACEL has launched a scathing attack on the SPL's youth policy and says it's a lot of "bull***t".

The Czech striker has urged powerbrokers to turn the lower leagues into divisions of youth development if the Scots want to join his countrymen in major finals.

Craig Levein's side lost out in the fight for a play-off spot for Euro 2012 to the Czechs, who will face Montenegro next month as they bid to make the finals in Poland and Ukraine.

Scotland have not reached a major finals since France 98, but since then the Czechs have qualified for three Euros and the 2006 World Cup. Skacel reckons the Czechs deserved to progress ahead of Craig Levein's team because they are a much better side but called on our game's rulers to do more to encourage young talent.

Skacel, 32, said: "Scottish football must work with its young boys and give them opportunities in the second and third leagues below the SPL.

"This is the way to build and bring through new groups of boys and is also recognised as the best way forward in the Czech Republic.

"The SPL have this silly, silly rule there must be three players under the age of 21 in the first team squad on a matchday. Do you see this rule anywhere else in British football? I don't - it's bull***t.

"There are second and third leagues to build up boys and when they are good enough any manager would be happy to bring them into his first team.

"That is the way to bring through better players, not by making up stupid rules.

"If I was 15 years younger and was brought into a first-team squad, it would be no encouragement because I would know they had to introduce three under-21 players. I wouldn't need to be good enough, only under 21.

"This is a big mistake and it kills football. Everyone has problems with money these days but it's no way to develop young boys.

"You must work with them and you have two or three leagues for that.

"Everywhere else in Europe does it, it's easier. Good luck to you guys because I like Scottish football."

Skacel revealed the Scots in the dressing room at Hearts dared not wind him up about the outcome of Group I because they knew the better team progressed with Spain.

He said: "We showed everyone we are still better than Scotland despite our own troubles. We deserved to go to the play-offs and I hope we win through to the finals because we need success for the Czech game."

Taken from the Daily Record