Praise for the immaculate "snooker table" playing surface of Villa Park

Peter Grant has praised the immaculate Villa Park pitch - and confirmed the "snooker table" surface was not to blame for any injuries in the last home match.

Villa players Jermaine Jenas and Shay Given, and Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez, were all hurt with nobody near them around a fortnight ago.

But rumours Jenas tripped over a sprinkler were unfounded and it has since been established the pitch was not responsible for any of the freak injuries.

And as Villa Park prepares for a home double-header against Liverpool and Arsenal, Grant has praised the devotion of groundsman Jonathan Calderwood and his staff.

"The pitch is immaculate," said Villa's assistant boss.

"We're delighted with the surface at the training ground and at Villa Park.

"They work ever so hard the groundsmen here, we can't ask for any better pitches, it's like a snooker table.

"It's a bit different from the ones I played on. I'd be scared to go out there. I'd have my slippers on. The pitches are fantastic now and there was no indication of anything like that at all (causing injuries). It's nothing to do with the pitch whatsoever and I think Jermaine would tell you that.

"We're delighted with the pitch, sometimes it's too good for the opposition."

Grant reckons the playing surface is one of the features which makes Villa Park one of the country's most traditional and appealing football grounds.

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