Skacel ready to do a number for United st mirren v dundee united

Saturday 27 October 2012

EVEN after walking out on Hearts, Rudi Skacel seemed reluctant to let go.

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Staff writer

The Czech had spent recent weeks back in the arms of his former club – or in a club tracksuit at least – as he trained in Edinburgh, only for a registration embargo to puncture the growing assumption that they would get back together for a third time. Skacel yesterday took up with a new club, Dundee United.

His move to another Scottish club was inevitable, he has been out of work since the end of last season and has been at his most productive in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, even if it could make for an awkward moment next week as Hearts supporters stare across at a man they once adored playing for another team. Yet Skacel appears unwilling to forget his time with Hearts completely, posing with his new shirt while wearing squad number 51 to depict the Tynecastle side's 5-1 Scottish Cup final win over Hibernian last term.The midfielder scored twice in that match and it is such form which attracted United. His contract will run until January 31 – there are already rumours that he will return to Hearts after that – but his initial concern is to help his new side ascend the league table after faltering to 11th place. He could make his debut against St Mirren today."Within 10 minutes of meeting the manager, I had decided I wanted to come here; it was an easy decision," said Skacel, who scored 18 goals for Hearts last season. "I have kept fit training with a few of my previous clubs over the last few months so it is just match fitness I have to get up to speed with."For both the club and myself it is a good deal. I can play a few games and hopefully help the team climb the table. I am ready to be involved but that will be the decision of the manager. In January, we can then look at things and see if it suits us both to extend the contract."Skacel, whose arrival comes as influential winger Gary Mackay-Steven prepares to return to training next week following knee surgery, is the second player to sign a contract at Tannadice this week. Sean Dillon signed a two-year extension earlier this week as he prepared to mark the sixth anniversary of his arrival from Shelbourne in January.His decision builds on the return to some semblance of form last week when United scored for the first time in four league matches. However, Dillon was loath to state they had turned the corner due to that draw with Aberdeen."The potential is there," he said. "For whatever reason things haven't been happening over the last few weeks. The Aberdeen game was nice to get back to putting on a good performance. The quicker we kick on and start getting results the better."

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Skacel ready to do a number for United st mirren v dundee united

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