Rudi Skacel's shirt number stunt is childish, says Hibs captain James McPake

1 Nov 2012 00:01

THE former Hearts star took the number 51 when he signed for Dundee United, in honour of their 5-1 Scottish Cup final win over Edinburgh rivals Hibs.
Rudi Skacel makes his debut, wearing number 51 on his shirt Rudi Skacel makes his debut, wearing number 51 on his shirt

HIBS skipper James McPake last night had a pop at Dundee United ace Rudi Skacel and branded him childish for choosing the No. 51 shirt at Tannadice.

The former Jambo courted controversy with his squad number, a reference to Hearts’ 5-1 destruction of Hibs in last season’s Scottish Cup Final.

And Easter Road ace McPake, who skippered his side at the national stadium and scored the only goal for the capital club that day, insists the Czech midfielder’s antics are those of a teenager.

The Northern Ireland star, who will go head-to-head with Skacel next Sunday when United and Hibs clash on SPL duty, said: “Rudi Skacel can do what he wants but it’s the kind of behaviour I’d expect from someone who is 16 or 17.

“I’d expect Leigh Griffiths, to pull a stunt like that but even he’s too mature. Fair play, it’s a bit of banter but it won’t bother me or the Hibs players.”

Taken from the Daily Record