FORMER Celtic striker Darren Jackson, now the first team coach at Dundee United, has joined the Hampden turf war.
Jackson hopes the playing surface at the national stadium is in better condition when the Tannadice side take on the Hoops in the League Cup Final on Sunday, March 15.
The pitch came in for heavy criticism from the players and management from all four sides after the semi-finals of the competition at the weekend.
Jackson was appalled at the state of the pitch as he watched from the touchline while the Tayside men booked their Final place with a 2-1 win over Aberdeen.
He said: “I don’t want to get anyone at Hampden into any bother, but it was very disappointing.
“You’re thinking not a lot of football has been played on the pitch, it’s going to be lush and it will give everyone the opportunity to play a lot of good football.
“Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. We can only hope it is sorted before the game against Celtic next month.”
Jackson who spent two years at Parkhead after being bought by Wim Jansen from Hibs in 1997, hopes the encounter with Ronny Deila’s team is a classic.
He said: “It’s a fantastic feeling to be in our second Cup Final in six months.
“Obviously, we were disappointed the last time when we lost in the Scottish Cup Final against St.Johnstone.
“Hopefully, we can make up for that.”
The 48-year-old, who teamed up with ex-Hoops pals Jackie McNamara and Simon Donnelly at Tannadice two years ago, also took time out to praise rival Kris Commons.
Jackson added: “Commons is a wonderful player and you can’t get enough good players in your team.
“I think he should be signing on again.”
