Former Celtic midfielder Peter Grant has said that Ange Postecoglou’s side will love play at Recreation Park, despite it being a 4G surface. Speaking to The Sun, Grant said that the wide players will benefit from the surface, utilising the space to get at the League One outfit.
Grant left Alloa after two years in charge for Dunfermline but not before making changes to the Wasps ground, making the pitch wider. Now, the 56-year-old says that the Scottish Cup clash will be an opportunity for Celtic, despite the struggles faced with playing on the 4G pitch at Livingston. The ex-Scotland No.2 said that Celtic’s wingers will have fun making the most of the space.
“People will always talk about 4G being a leveller. But, listen it’s as good as you’ll get. It’s a fantastic pitch and a great size.
“I think it’s the biggest pitch in Scotland, bigger than Hampden. That’s how I wanted it. From the smallest park, we made it as wide as possible.
“Once they’re on it no player can argue. Obviously, it’s not grass but I’ve seen a hell of a lot of grass pitches at this time of year being far from the best. It’s a very good surface, despite criticism.
“Jota and the like will be happy, I’m sure, with the amount of room on the flanks.
“It’ll suit Celtic and the way they’re playing, which I like. Celtic are set up to have a go in every game and that’s the way it should be.
Postecoglou can call upon Jota and James Forrest from the bench with Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada selected to occupy the wide areas. Each of the four wingers will have their own reasons for wanting to play in The Scottish Cup, whether they start or are on the bench.
The 55-year-old made 483 appearances for Celtic across a fifteen-year period for his boyhood club. Despite wanting Celtic to win, he wants Alloa to give a good account of themselves.
“It will be tough for Alloa – but what have they got to lose?
“I want Celtic to win but I’d also like to see Alloa give them a game and come out of it with credit.
“The players are part- time but their commitment to the Alloa cause is fantastic.”
The game kicks off at 5:30 pm with the draw following the full-time whistle.
