Hibs manager defends Easter Road pitch after player criticism

JOHN HUGHES today defended the state of the Easter Road pitch after Hibs striker Derek Riordan claimed it could cost him and his team-mates a place in Europe.

• John Hughes

Riordan believes the condition of the pitch has already cost Hibs vital points in the race to finish third in the SPL table, Hughes' side having slipped to fourth with home draws against Aberdeen and St Johnstone, which sandwiched three successive away defeats.

But, while the Scotland hitman claimed the pitch was the "the worst I have seen it in years", Hughes defended the club's ground staff insisting: "They work morning, noon and night on it."

Admitting he was a touch disappointed to hear Riordan's criticism, Hughes said: "The problem is that, at this time of year, you just don't get any growth in the grass but that will change again.

I have to disagree with Derek, I see the work that goes on and these guys put in a real, hard shift. They are caring people, they work morning, noon and night, putting in overtime to make it the best they can.

But, unless you have the hundreds of thousands of pounds the likes of Celtic and Rangers have to put in those big lights, you don't get the growth in the grass."

And Hughes was admant he won't let the Easter Road surface or the demolition of the East Terracing to make way for a new 6400 capacity stand to be used as an excuse for any shortcomings.

Hughes, who believes the Easter Road pitch is no worse than most SPL grounds at this time of years, said: "I was disappointed to hear what Derek had to say because that is negative.

"There's no excuses, it's the same for both sides. We need to get the sleeves rolled up and get back to winning ways. I'm delighted where we are at this moment because it gives us a chance to try to achieve everything we want to do."

Hughes is hopeful both David Wotherspoon and Paul Hanlon will be available after the pair pulled out of the Scotland Under-21 squad earlier in the week through injury.