Rudi Skacel has extended his contract with Hearts until the end of the season.

The Czech forward’s deal at Tynecastle was due to expire but the 32-year-old has committed his short-term future to the Gorgie club.

Skacel, who is in his second spell with Paulo Sergio’s side, has made 23 appearances, scoring eight times.

Having started his career at Slavia Prague, the player moved to Marseille and had a loan spell with Panathinaikos, before heading to Edinburgh on loan.

A permanent transfer followed after a successful maiden season in Scotland, in which he netted 17 times in 40 games.

But he left the club almost immediately, moving on to Southampton, Hertha Berlin, Slavia Prague and Larissa before returning to Tynecastle.