Keane has scored 12 times this season despite some poor pitches

Robbie Keane believes the Scottish Premier League is bedevilled by poor pitches that would dissuade some players from coming to Scotland.

The Republic of Ireland forward arrived at Celtic Park in January and has scored 12 goals in 12 games.

But he said: "I didn't think the pitches were going to be as bad.

"When people down south are watching the games and they see the pitches then obviously it doesn't reflect brilliantly on the game here."

Keane was looking forward to gracing the Hampden pitch in Saturday's Scottish Cup semi-final against Ross County.

I don't want to get into the situation where I am slagging off Scottish football, I'm certainly not doing that Celtic striker Robbie Keane

"It has been a bad winter for everyone and you have to take that into consideration," said Keane.

"But look at the difference from when we play away from home and at home. Celtic's pitch is fantastic and it helps the players we have who like to get the ball down and play.

"When you are playing on a pitch that has no grass, it is very difficult to do that."

Motherwell and Aberdeen are just two clubs whose surfaces have been criticised this season.

And Scottish Premier League secretary Ian Blair this week revealed that the nation's top flight was open to the use of artificial pitches.

Asked if players would perhaps think twice about coming to Scotland after seeing the pitches, former Liverpool forward Keane said: "Yes, probably.

"I don't want to get into the situation where I am slagging off Scottish football, I'm certainly not doing that.

"The pitches have not been good enough and I'm just stating the obvious.

"But I'm looking forward to playing at Hampden. Players always want to play in big stadiums and big games."

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