Rodgers: Cut up pitch will suit Hearts

Brendan Rodgers has had his say on the Betfred Cup semi-final scheduling by claiming a cut-up pitch at Hampden would suit Hearts.

Celtic are due to face the Tynecastle side at 7:45pm on Sunday 28 October, in the second of two last-four games to be played at the national stadium that day. Aberdeen v Rangers will kick-off at noon.

Celtic manager Rodgers addressed concerns that the pitch may not stand up to two games in a day, particularly in wet weather, by saying a poor surface would benefit the Gorgie club.

“It would be good for Hearts,” he said. “It could go into extra-time, into penalties. It could operationally be a real push. But listen, we see the issues around it, both on the pitch and off the pitch. We can only control how we prepare for the game now.”

The SPFL has come in for fierce criticism for their decision to play both semis on the same day at the same venue. Rodgers added: “From the outside, it looks operationally and logistically a major challenge, but the organisers and police must feel that it will be under control. So we have to accept that it’s been organised in what they feel is the best way.”

Meanwhile, winger James Forrest has signed a four-year deal which ties him to park head until 2022.