Friday 19 February 2016 16:09, UK
Rangers manager Mark Warburton has hit out at the use of synthetic surfaces in football after Martyn Waghorn was injured while playing on Kilmarnock's 3G pitch.
Artificial pitches are on the increase and are used in European competition under strict guidance from FIFA.
In Scotland around a dozen clubs have 3G surfaces and Rangers have played on many of them in league matches at Annan, Forfar, Stenhousemuir, Airdrie, Falkirk, Alloa and Saturday's opponents Queen of the South.
It is said that the harsh climate has forced almost all of those clubs to switch to 3G pitches as they do not have sufficient finances to replace turf on a regular basis.
And in his comments between the team's latest trip to Alloa and a Scottish Cup replay on Kilmarnock's synthetic pitch, Warburton explained Rangers used 3G surfaces at the club's training complex.
However, following an injury to striker Waghorn in the 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock, Warburton appears to have had a change of heart on the matter.
The former Brentford boss said: "In my opinion and speaking to a lot of people, if you are going to attract investment, attract sponsors, can we get a better quality of product?
"You do that by getting high-quality pitches. Then I'm told the northern weather, the Scottish weather couldn't take good grass pitches.
"Does it not rain in Manchester or Liverpool? It's nonsense. The fact is, the best pitches, I understand the demand in finance, I appreciate that, but to improve the quality of product then we need to improve the quality of services."
Asked if he did not want artificial pitches in Scottish football, Warburton, who is hoping to coach a team in the top-flight for the first time next season, said: "Personally, not at the highest level, we need to be clear on that."
Warburton revealed his top scorer Waghorn has travelled to England for a second opinion on the knee injury he suffered at Rugby Park.
"He is seeing a specialist today in London to get a more detailed report," Warburton said.
"There is no surgery required which is most pleasing. Hopefully he will be back for the end of the season, but there is a possibility he won't, it depends how his recovery progresses."
