Gary Locke lauded the class and professionalism of Raith Rovers veteran Rudi Skacel after the Hearts legend climbed from the bench to inspire a dramatic draw against the Jambos.
The veteran Czech’s iconic status among the travelling support was underlined when he was hailed with chants of ‘Rudi, Rudi’ from the sold-out away section as he entered the fray with 10 minutes to play — somewhat tempting fate.
The hero of the 2012 Scottish Cup final, in which he scored a double for Hearts in a 5-1 demolition of Hibs, salvaged Rovers’ hopes in this season’s competition when his 90th minute volley from the edge of the box was turned into the net by Declan McManus.
It cancelled out Jamie Walker’s first half opener and, given Mark Stewart missed an astonishing sitter, it could have been an even more satisfying afternoon for Locke’s men. As it is, the sides will do battle again on Wednesday night at Tynecastle.
“Everyone has seen Rudi Skacel over the years and, although he is getting on a bit now, he still has real quality,” said Locke. “I did not just bring him here because I’ve got a good relationship with him.
“He’s a great professional. We have a young squad and these lads look up to him and learn from him. Rudi is a real help to them on the training pitch and you saw what he was capable of today with a great volley.
“I’m delighted for Declan as well. Things haven’t being going in for him lately, but he always gets into the box and is always looking to get on the end of things – and he got his reward.”
Perry Kitchen and Malaury Martin both threatened for the visitors as they gradually took control of a scrappy first half.
However, when the opener did finally arrive, Rovers were completely culpable for their own downfall. Jordan Thompson played an inexplicable blind pass to Don Cowie, who teed up Walker to slot home his 11th goal of the season.
Raith emerged with new vigour after the interval, with Stewart passing up a glorious opportunity to restore parity.
The waspish forward, without a goal since October 29, was presented with a tap-in when Kevin McHattie squared the ball to him but, with the goal gaping, he somehow contrived to hit the crossbar.
“When something like that happens you think someone up there doesn’t like you,” Locke said.
“But we kept at it and kept creating chances.”
Indeed, Hearts keeper Jack Hamilton then made two splendid saves in the space of 60 seconds, parrying a Ross Callachan shot wide of the post before blocking an Iain Davidson volley.
The Jambos were rocking as they sought to protect a narrow advantage and Locke threw on McManus and Skacel for the final 10 minutes, with the latter arriving to a raucous reception –from the away fans.
However, their hero-worshipping was soon silenced when –- with his first touch – Skacel met a Bobby Barr corner with a technically superb volley, which was nodded into the net by McManus.