Hearts' hopes of Rudi Skacel signing a permanent deal may be dependent on whether the club are playing Champions League football next season, according to one of the player's representatives.

The 26-year-old midfielder has helped the Jambos move into second place in the Bank of Scotland Premier League this season during his year-long loan deal from Marseille.

The Edinburgh club are hoping the Czech Republic international will stay.

But Eliot van Til admits any decision for Skacel, who is the club's top scorer this year with 16 goals, could rest on where Hearts finish this season.

Van Til told the Edinburgh Evening News: "The Champions League issue could have a bearing on Rudi's decision.

"At the moment, he is focused on two things. Firstly, he is trying to achieve as high a position as possible with Hearts and claim that second Champions League space.

"Then he is also hoping to cement a place in the Czech World Cup squad.

"Obviously, the two go hand in hand because he needs to be playing well to achieve both.

"There have been a lot of changes at Hearts throughout the club and that has to be taken into account, so it's been difficult for Rudi to make any decision."