Rudi Skacel deal proves lift for Hearts

RUDI SKACEL’S contract extension was the highlight of a relatively quiet transfer deadline day for Hearts as the Czech midfielder agreed to stay at Tynecastle until the summer.

The club’s top goalscorer was out of contract yesterday but signed a short-term deal for the rest of the season. Skacel has scored nine times from midfield in the current campaign and is idolised by Hearts supporters, who will be delighted with news of his extension.

Skacel looked destined to leave earlier this month but late negotiations over the last few days saw the player put pen to paper to remain the talisman of Tynecastle.

Also staying put is David Templeton. As reported in yesterday’s Evening News, Hearts were seeking close to £1 million for the highly talented winger but a flurry of interest failed to materialise into acceptable offers.

Bristol City and Rangers inquired about Templeton’s availability, however their valuations came nowhere near Hearts’ and the 23-year-old is happy to remain a key figure at Tynecastle.

Bristol Rovers moved to sign Darren Barr on loan last night but could not manage to agree terms with the defender.

One player who did leave Hearts was the Welsh Under-21 internationalist Rob Ogleby. He joined English Conference club Wrexham after failing to establish himself in Scotland.

Jamie Walker rejoined Raith Rovers on loan until the end of the season, however his teenage colleague David Smith remains at Riccarton and will hope to challenge for first-team football as well as playing for Hearts Under-19s.

Finally, the Lithuanian forward Evaldas Razulis has returned to FBK Kaunas permanently having failed to make a single appearance for Hearts.