Tomas Kančelskis


Tomas Kančelskis is a retired Lithuanian professional footballer.
A central defender, Kančelskis started his career with Romar Mažeikiai, where he tasted success before his twentieth birthday, as Romar won the 1993-94 A Lyga title. He joined his hometown side Kareda Šiauliai in 1994, and continued to prosper, winning both the A Lyga and the Lithuanian Cup twice with his new team. He also developed into an international player with Kareda, making his first appearance for Lithuania in 1995. He had a trial with SK Brann in 1998.
FBK Kaunas lured Kančelskis from their rivals in 2000, and he soon became a central figure at the S.Darius and S.Girėnas Stadium. Quickly appointed captain, he led the side to 6 A Lyga championships and a further 3 cup triumphs in seven years.
In July 2006 Kančelskis and four compatriots were granted a trial spell in Scotland with Hearts. He featured as a trialist in a 2-0 friendly win against CA Osasuna but was not offered a contract.
However, he did move to Hearts in January 2007, a 6-month loan move seeing him leave his native country for the first time in his career. Kančelskis made his competitive debut as a substitute in a 2–0 victory at Motherwell on 5 March 2007. Tomas loan deal was cancelled on 26 March 2008, and returned to his previous club.