Profile

Called in as a late replacement to the Czech Republic squad for Daniel Pudil, Rudolf Skácel has been absent from the international scene for nearly three years. The talented left-sided midfielder spent the second half of the 2007/08 on loan at Hertha BSC Berlin from Southampton FC.

Won promotion with SK Hradec Králové and was leading scorer when he joined SK Slavia Praha midway through 2001/02 season.

Won Czech Cup with Slavia and helped club to league runners-up spot in 2002/03 with eight goals in 28 games before joining Olympique de Marseille for €2.5m.

Scored on international debut – v Canada on 15 November 2003 – but not selected for almost two years.

One season in France and another in Greece, where he played in the UEFA Champions League (five games, one goal) for Panathinaikos FC.

Set Scottish Premier League record with Heart of Midlothian FC by scoring in his first seven games; final haul of 16 helped Hearts to league runners-up spot and also scored in Scottish Cup final, when the Edinburgh side beat Gretna FC on penalties.

Left after one season to rejoin ex-Hearts manager George Burley in English second tier at Southampton.

Did you know?

Skácel was a member of the Czech Republic side that won the 2002 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Switzerland.