Rudi inspires Hearts and fans in 3-0 win

Hearts deserved their fine 3-0 win against St. Mirren, dominating possession and posing the stronger goal threat. Having said that, if we had been relying on what has become our normal goal threat – i.e. hopeful crosses to Kyle and Elliott – this game would have most likely ended 0-0.

Thanks heavens for Rudi Skacel then. In an era when managers seem to select players for their physical presence above football ability, we should be happy that the attributes Rudi brings to the team have skill and athleticism at the top of the list. He rarely wastes a pass, and glides effortlessly within a big midfield area – continually switching from defence to attack as the need arises. When it comes to accurate shooting, his confidence and ability is higher than most players – which certainly adds an extra dimension to Hearts.

Against St. Mirren, his first after just a minute was a trademark left-footer along the ground from 25 yards, following a wonderful run from Suso and lay-off from Kyle. His second came from a free-kick around 22 yards out, when he lifted a curling shot over the wall and just inside Samson`s left-hand post. He almost grabbed a first-half hat-trick when Zaliukas galloped to the edge of the St. Mirren box before slipping it to Skacel, whose shot was deflected on to the bar by a defender.

Suso and Elliott both looked lively in the first half, but the second half was a bit of a let-down in terms of entertainment. With only seconds remaining however, Rudi picked up the ball on the right wing and cut inside looking to fire in a left-foot shot. However with his line of sight blocked, he dragged the ball on to his RIGHT foot instead before blasting it in to the net. His first ever goal at the Gorgie end – and it was a right foot effort !!

If JJ was a bit miffed initially at being “given” Rudi by Vladimir after the failure to sign Bryson or Hartley, surely he now sees just how good a player the Czech midfielder really is. Here is a player whose skill and performances inspire the fans, and it would be great to see Lee Wallace and Andrew Driver play alongside him.

Bouzid, Barr and Zaliukas were impressive in defence – while Suso was a close second to man-of-the-match Skacel. Kyle was rather disappointing, often failing to deliver even a short pass or header accurately to a team-mate – and consequently Calum Elliott toiled without much success alongside him.

Now that the we have a home win on the board at last, let’s hope the team can follow it up with onother against Kilmarnock on Sunday !!!