Printer-friendly pageThursday, May 31, 2007
Rudi Skacel will be given the chance to fill Gareth Bale's boots next season. He will given the opportunity to prove himself capable of being Bale's replacement at left back when the players report back for pre-season training in July.
Skacel started the season at left midfield, having in proved so successful at Hearts.
However, he didn't score the goals at Saints and finished the season out of the side until Bale's injury in the play-off semi-final first leg saw him in for the crunch second match at Derby.
After seeing that performance, as well knowing that Skacel has spent most of his career at left back before being pushed forward at Hearts, Burley will consider making him the long-term replacement for Bale.
He said: "It's something we'll be looking at in pre-season.
"Rudi came in at the end and did well and he'll be given every opportunity.
"I'll be having a chat with him pre-season and will see how he feels about it. But he played there a lot at Marseilles.
Skacel made 38 appearances for Saints last season after joining for £1.6m last summer.
Let's hope this works. Whilst Skacel often proved to be frustrating, there is no doubt he is a talented player and if we don't need to shell out for a left-back then the Bale money could be better utilised at Centre Midfield and Centre Back.
Let us know what you think on the blog pages.
