The Scottish FA are attempting to enact plans that will hopefully result in a much-improved pitch for the upcoming Scottish League Cup final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden.
The surface at the national stadium for the semi-final matches earlier this month was very poor, attracting criticism from fans, pundits and Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou.
The Bhoys boss said after the win over Kilmarnock: “You can’t control the weather in Scotland but I’m disappointed in the state of the pitch, I thought it would be better.
“When you come to Hampden it’s a showpiece event and you want the conditions to be the best they can be. Even when I walked out before the game, I was disappointed in the pitch.
“It’s going to be tough for the two teams on Sunday. I’m not sure how much football they’ve had on the pitch or what the situation is. It didn’t have great grass coverage and didn’t hold very well.”
The Daily Record now reports that the SFA have invested a ‘significant’ amount of money in LED heat lamps to help grow grass and improve the surface.
Images can be seen of the lamps in use this week, after it was promised by the stadium owners in a statement that they would investigate how to better prepare for the final on February 26th, as well as upcoming Scotland internationals.
The pitch at Celtic Park hasn’t been in great shape recently either, something which was also noted by Postecoglou in the media.
We’ll see how that one’s looking tomorrow night when Livingston arrive at Paradise in an under-the-lights Scottish Premiership clash.
In other news, Report: English side want Celtic defender Stephen Welsh on loan; MLS interest.
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