Hearts have confirmed the re-signing of Rudi Skacel on a one-year deal with a 12-month option. The Czech Republic international, who left Hearts for Southampton in 2006, returns to Tynecastle after leaving Greek club Larissa.

He told the club's official website: "I am very glad to be back at Hearts again. It is a club that made me successful four years ago.

"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.

"I was very successful at Hearts, but I was young and at the time I trusted various people telling me it was the right time for me to go, but I was wrong.

"Now I want to put the past behind me and I am very happy that the club gave me another chance to show my best and restore my career."

Boss Jim Jefferies believes Skacel's versatility will help Hearts. Jefferies said: "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.

"If he produces the same form as last time I'm sure the fans will take to him."