Going back to Tynecastle WON’T be emotional says returning Rudi Skacel

The Czech midfielder is a Jambos legend after his starring role in last season’s famous 5-1 Scottish Cup win over bitter rivals Hibs at Hampden.

But Skacel is currently starring for Peter Houston’s men after signing a short-term contract with the Arabs back in September.

He plans to block out all memories of past glories in a bid to help United put one over the Edinburgh outfit in front of the TV cameras.

Skacel said: “I’m looking forward to it because I have great memories of the place, but we need three points after dropping two at home last week.

“It will be a full stadium, which is always good for the players and hard for an opponent. For me this is a special game and a special place, but all I can think about is winning.

“We’ll see if I get a warm welcome. It doesn’t matter how I feel about it though. I have to keep my emotions out of it.

“All that matters is that we keep the gap between us and push on. I want to win there. I want to score goals. But scoring goals is emotional and you never know what you’ll do.”

Skacel, 33, is loving life on Tayside after United snapped him up following his summer exit from Tynecastle and he will welcome talks about extending his contract beyond the end of next month.

He added: “We said we’d sit down in January and see how both sides feel and what’s possible for the future.

“I don’t have anything right now — I’m just focusing on getting 100 per cent fit and playing every week.

“Obviously I want to do what’s best for myself, so we will see.

“But there’s plenty of time to speak in January after these four games.

“It’s important that the manager has said he wants me though — if he doesn’t, there is nothing here for me.”

Skacel, who received his SunSport Top Man prize for his efforts last season, opened his Arabs account in last week’s 4-4 thriller with Inverness and he reckons he is gradually hitting top form again.

He said: “I’m happy because with every game I feel better. I missed a few chances against Inverness and when you’re three up and don’t win there’s still a bit of you disappointed.

“But mainly I’m happy because I’ve waited a long time for my first goal here. We just have to focus on making up for the fact we didn’t win to our supporters.”

Skacel hopes the Jambos’ off-field financial troubles are sorted out, but he won’t let their current predicament get in the way of trying to beat them.

He said: “I’m not a Hearts player any more, so it’s not really fair to talk about them. I hope everything will be fine and I wish them all the best.

“I still speak to the boys sometimes, but not this week. I’ll be focusing on myself and doing my best for my team.

“This squad is young, talented and should honestly be second in the league.”