Divots had to be replaced by staff during the England Under-21s training session today.

Part of the problem is the groundstaff only recently starting work, while the stadium's shape means part of the pitch is in the shade for certain times of the year, a problem which will be tackled by artificial lighting.

"We've only had the stadium for less than two weeks, until now we've been working in conjunction with the builders," said grounds manager Steve Welch.

"Every stadium of this size has a challenge to grow and maintain a good pitch.

"Although the stadium has been designed to help maintain the quality of the pitch, there is still a period of the year the pitch is in shade. This has an effect on the quality of the grass, a challenge we will overcome."

Welch is working towards perfecting the turf before the FA Cup final at the end of the season.

He added: "As we get more sunlight towards May the pitch will get better and better.

"The pitch is in much better condition than we thought it would be at this stage, it's getting better every day.

"The end goal is getting it perfect for the FA Cup final so we're on schedule in that respect.

"When 10 to 14 players are training in one 10-yard playing area it is bound to cut up. It's very intense for that area of the pitch, more so than in a game.

"No-one knows for sure how the pitch would react at first use, so these events are 'ramp-up' or test events for the surface and the ground-staff."