Rudi Skacel baffled by ‘stupid’ furore over No 51 jersey

By EUAN McARTHUR
Published on Tuesday 30 October 2012 09:58

RUDI Skacel last night attempted to play down the “stupid” furore over his controversial 51 number as he prepared for tomorrow’s Scottish Communities League Cup clash against old club Hearts.

The Czech Republic midfielder created a fuss by choosing the number 51 after signing a short-term deal with United last Friday – as a tribute to the Tynecastle side’s 5-1 destruction of Edinburgh rivals Hibernian in last May’s Scottish Cup final showdown at Hampden.

Dundee United manager Peter Houston wasted no time in apologising to Hibs fans in the wake of the his team’s 1-0 win over St Mirren on Saturday, and insisted he wouldn’t have sanctioned the choice if he’d known the significance of it.

Now Skacel, who wore the 51 jersey after coming on as a substitute against St Mirren, said: “I am glad the United supporters are okay with that. It is only a number and I think it is stupid, all the things about this. I don’t care about Hibs. I care about United and will make sure I do everything for the club – that’s it.”

Skacel is relishing the prospect of facing Hearts in tomorrow night’s televised quarter-final clash at Tannadice and insists there will be no old pals’ act on the night. He said: “For me it is another game but also it is a little bit special. It will be a little bit weird to play against Hearts but I want to make sure I do everything for Dundee United and we go (through) to the other round.

“This is the past, my time at Hearts. I don’t speak about that. I am focused on United and try my best for them. I want to get through in the cup and that’s it. Hearts will be my enemies for 90 minutes.”

Skacel has signed a short-term deal with United and can’t wait to try and help them reach the last four of the cup. He added: “I want to do my best for my team, I want to score, want to win and want to go for another round. I have come to United to help them win games. I don’t want to lose. So even this game they are for 90 minutes my enemies.

“I have good memories of my ex-club but now I have to make sure I do everything for my new team. Every game is important. I am a bad loser and don’t want to lose any match, no matter what tournament it is in. Wins build confidence and hopefully the St Mirren game will help us to go on a good run.”

Skacel has kept himself fit after leaving Hearts in the summer and admits their hard-fought win in Paisley at the weekend has put a further spring in his step. He said: “We will see if I start. I have been training and gaining fitness all the time. I felt great after Saturday but that was because we won the game. It is always easier than when you lose.”

Taken from the Scotsman