Dundee want real experience of artificial pitches ahead of Kilmarnock clash

Dundee will train on the artificial surface at Forfar’s Station Park today to ensure they are “pitch perfect” when they travel to play Kilmarnock on Saturday.

The Ayrshire club installed a new 3G surface during the summer at Rugby Park and Dark Blues boss Paul Hartley is determined his players will be fully prepared for what awaits them.

He said: “Kilmarnock play on the astro turf but there is nothing really similar about here.

“So I thought Forfar was the best venue for us.

“Having experienced the pitch with Alloa, I thought it was a great surface and it will be good to have a session on it with Kilmarnock in mind.

“I don’t have a problem with artificial surfaces. They are getting better and better all the time.

“There will not be any excuses from us on Saturday, that’s for sure.”

Forfar installed the Fifa-approved 3G surface at Station Park in the summer of 2012 at a cost of £370,000.