Skacel agent urges Hearts to up wages

RUDI SKACEL'S agent believes his client deserves an improved contract from Hearts, however the Edinburgh club have the option to re-sign the Czech midfielder on the same terms next season.

Skacel is waiting to learn whether that option will be invoked after returning to Scotland last September on freedom of contract. The season-long deal he signed includes a clause allowing Hearts to extend the agreement for a further 12 months through to June 2012 and pay the player the same salary.

Although the 31-year-old is happy in Scotland and keen to remain at Tynecastle, his agent, Jochen Kientz, believes he merits a more rewarding deal after 13 goals in 29 appearances last season.

"When Rudi signed, he signed a contract that was not at a high level money-wise," said Kientz. "After what Rudi did for Hearts, I think the club would want a happy player. He scored goals and played whilst he was injured and he was doing everything for Hearts. Perhaps Hearts can say 'you did everything for us, now we do everything for you'. Maybe there could be a new contract for two years.

"I know the owner of Hearts (Vladimir Romanov) is a businessman but sometimes business is not all. You want a good player in his best form next season and with his mind free. Not thinking 'they took the option and it's not a good option for me because it's not a lot of money'. I am sure a lot of other clubs would be happy if Hearts do not take the option.

"I want the best for Rudi. Hearts said they do not want to negotiate with many agents because they do not want to have to pay them, so I must accept this. We will see what they decide. They have the option, this is the point."