Scott Robinson: I'm ready to step in for Rudi Skacel

AS Hearts supporters await news on whether Rudi Skacel will extend his contract, Scott Robinson today put himself forward as an able deputy for the Czech in the creative midfield position.

Hearts have yet to finalise a new deal for Skacel and Robinson is hoping to capitalise should the 32-year-old fail to sign in time for Saturday's opening SPL match with Rangers.

Previously deployed as a forward, Robinson is staking his claim as a central midfielder and is hopeful of being involved at Ibrox, where he scored in a 1-1 draw in January 2010 under previous manager Csaba Laszlo.

"I see myself as a central midfielder," said the 19-year-old. "I like to come deep and get the ball, set up others and create play instead of being a target man or a link-up player. I think the management now are realising more what my game is all about.

"If I keep impressing and do well they'll hopefully give me a chance because they seem happy with me. The gaffer and Billy have a great record with young players and as long as I prove I can handle the level they'll hopefully give me a game."

Robinson admitted he found life as a striker difficult but said he learned from the experience. "I was Csaba's last solution. He got fed up with his strikers not working hard and chucked me in. The goal at Ibrox meant the fans and everyone else expected a lot of me.

"A few days later Csaba played myself and Gordon Smith, who was only 18, up front together against Aberdeen. That was such a difficult game. We lost 3-0. We were young players, we'd hardly played together up front. Still, wherever you get asked to

Kevin Kyle, meanwhile, has targeted the first Edinburgh derby of the season on August 28 as his comeback match following a six-month injury absence. The striker has returned to training following a hip problem and, after scoring the winner against Hibs in January, is looking to repeat the feat.

"I've pencilled in a wee game against Hibernian at the end of August, so that would be ideal - perfect really - if I was back for that one," he said. "If I could come on and score a last-minute winner then I'm sure everybody would be happy with that and hopefully forget about the last six months.

"It's been hard over the last six months. I have a bit of timber to shed. I've been working in the mornings, afternoons and evenings to get back. I joined my local gym and I'm hammering that, and I bought a bike last week so I have been doing everything I possibly can to make sure I am fit when I come back.

"I'll work as hard as I can over the next two or three weeks. I'm feeling the effects because it has been a long six months but I'm starting to see the rewards now."