Hearts hero Rudi Skacel in signing talks with Raith Rovers

Rudi Skacel had two successful spells with Hearts. Picture: SNS

The midfielder is negotiating with Raith manager Gary Locke, his former coach at Hearts.

Skacel will link up with the rest of the squad for the trip to play Cove Rangers at Forfar in the League Cup tonight.

“Rudi is a fantastic professional,” Locke told the Raith website. “He is very fit naturally, and once he gains his sharpness, I hope we can persuade him to sign for the club because he will be a first class role model for the whole squad, that’s for sure!

“I am delighted he has agreed to link up with us, and I am certain his presence will create a real buzz as the season gets underway. He knows how to score goals, and to create chances for others so he could be a key player for us in the months ahead.”

Skacel, 36, last played in his Czech homeland for Mladá Boleslav but his appearances were sporadic.

He won legendary status with Hearts during two spells, helping them win the Scottish Cup in 2006 and 2012, scoring in both finals.

He had a short spell with Dundee United in the 2012-13 season and looked poised to return to Hearts for a third time but was denied the chance because of a signing embargo while the Tynecastle club were in administration.

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