Hearts: Tynecastle pitch resurfacing work begins

Work started on Tuesday to dig up the old surface

Hearts have started on resurfacing their pitch at Tynecastle Stadium.

The surface has been heavily criticised in recent weeks after it began to cut up badly.

Club owner Ann Budge confirmed in a statement on the club's website that work would begin this week and current surface was dug up on Tuesday.

"We are assured it will be completed well in time for our next home game against Ross County on Wednesday 1 March," she said.

Hearts head coach Ian Cathro has been among the critics of the Tynecastle surface since it began to cut up

Hearts head coach Ian Cathro has been among those to voice concerns over the playing surface, admitting it was hampering the passing style he is trying to implement at the club.

Hearts drew 1-1 with bottom-of-the-Premiership Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Tynecastle on Saturday.

"As many of you will have seen for yourselves, our pitch has deteriorated badly over the last few weeks," added Budge.

"While we knew that we would have to address the replacement of our now 19-year-old pitch sometime soon, we were hoping that it would see us through to the end of this season.

"However, having carefully monitored the issues and having consulted a number of experts in this field, we have taken the decision to address the problem now."