Lawless keen to pitch in
Stevie Lawless has sprung to the defence of the new synthetic Almondvale pitch and says it’s one of the best he’s ever played on.
Ex-Partick Thistle ace Lawless joined Livinsgton in the summer and will be key for Kenny Miller’s side in the top flight.
Their first league game on their new Astroturf surface ended in a 0-0 draw against Kilmarnock last week and the pitch was heavily criticised.
Lawless, who insist he enjoys playing on Astro, says it will prove to be one of Scotland’s best.
He said: “Unlike a lot of players, I actually enjoy playing on Astro.
“I think it’s because I’m wee but I like it.
“I’ve always said that. Ours is the softest one I’ve ever played in, in terms of helping your joints. We trained on Astro at Thistle during the winter and it could be really demanding on your legs. “But the one at Livi has a shock pad underneath it and I don’t think it’s too bad. “A lot has been made of the rubber pellets on top of it but over time, they will wear down and then disappear. “People have picked up on that but it happens with new pitches. “By playing and training on it, it will get better.” Lawless insists he’s played on far worse in his career. He added: “On some other Astro pitches, you feel your kneesgetting sore. “This one has a spring in it and it’s one of the best I’ve played on in Scotland.”