INVERNESS Caledonian Thistle are considering following in Kilmarnock's footsteps by installing an artificial playing surface.

Kenny Cameron, the club chairman, insists the Highland outfit are giving serious thought to replacing their traditional grass pitch. The club will spend a five-figure sum repairing the existing surface this summer after a total of 35 first team and under-20 matches were played at the ground last term.

"Given the newness of the surface, this was undoubtedly too many games," Cameron admitted.

"On artificial pitches, this is the way ahead for all community clubs and we have looked at various options. At present, the costs are a bit prohibitive, but it is something we are seriously looking at as a long-term solution. If we could raise the finance, it would certainly be a viable business proposition."