The Celtic Park pitch is in poor condition and manager Brendan Rodgers raised it as an issue for his players after today’s narrow 1-0 win over Ross County.
Alistair Johnston struck the winning goal within a minute of kick-off with a heavily deflected shot.
Although Celtic went on to create more opportunities, including a missed penalty, it was a nervy three points with the visitors having big moments of their own in front of goal.
Rodgers admitted he had frustrations with passages of Celtic play in the first half but when asked by BBC Radio Scotland if those frustrations could become concerns about his team, the manager didn’t continue to criticise.
Instead, he suggested that the players suffered from having to overcome a poor playing surface at Celtic Park.
Brendan Rodgers not happy with Celtic Park pitch
The Bhoys boss said: “You obviously want to do better with the ball and the opportunities you have but it’s also a game to win.
“When the pitch is as difficult as it is, that will take the speed out of the game a little bit. I think you see some of the passes that our players played today. The ball just pops up and gets away from them, that’s not normal.
“Overall, you’re never going to be perfect in every game. I think the players gave everything in the game – some guys were playing their first games. We got everyone through it hopefully.”
Rodgers isn’t the first Celtic figure to raise concerns about the Celtic Park pitch in recent weeks. Matt O’Riley also flagged it despite winning comfortably against Buckie Thistle in the Scottish Cup.
The ground staff will now have a decent chunk of time to improve the surface without play ensuring further degradation.
The Bhoys play three consecutive matches on the road against Aberdeen, Hibernian and St Mirren over the next couple of weeks.
Celtic’s next home game isn’t until 17th February against Kilmarnock, with Dundee the only other visitors to Celtic Park next month.
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