Skacel back at Hearts

Hearts have re-signed midfielder former Tynecastle favourite Rudi Skacel following his recent departure from Greek side Larissa.

The Czech Republic internationalist was originally brought to the capital by George Burley in the summer of 2005 and made an immediate impression by scoring in seven successive SPL matches as Hearts went on to finish second in the table and win the Scottish Cup.

Skacel, who turned 31 in July and has also played for Marseille and Panathinaikos, moved on to Southampton then had a spell with Slavia Prague before joining Larissa.

Hearts boss Jim Jefferies told the club's official website: "Rudi is a very experienced player and his arrival will mean more competition for places, which is good.

"His match-fitness will have to be assessed in the days and weeks ahead though as he has not played a lot of games in recent seasons so we will first get him ready and up to speed."

Skacel added: "I feel part of the club because of the supporters. They gave me incredible backing when I was here before and now I want to show them that we can have success again."