Everton boss Roberto Martinez has revealed that he sought advice from Harry Redknapp ahead of Thursday's Europa League clash away to Young Boys.
The Toffees travel to Bern for a first-leg round-of-32 encounter tomorrow night, with the playing surface among the pre-match concerns for the Spaniard.
The Swiss outfit laid a new synthetic 4G surface last summer, having previously had astro turf at Stade de Suisse.
Redknapp knows all about the playing conditions after his Tottenham Hotspur side conceded three goals in half-an-hour back in 2010, and Martinez admits that it gives Young Boys an advantage.
"We actually used our game against QPR to pick the brains of Harry Redknapp about this playing surface from when he was at Spurs and played them," he told the club's official website. "It is now 4G but we have been able to train all week on a similar surface and I do think we are aware of what we will see.
"Players can be concerned with the bounce of the ball or what footwear to use but we have prepared. It shouldn't be a shock. You do get a concern for players who have had major surgery or injuries when playing on this surface because you can pick up problems, which is why we have kept Arouna Kone back ahead of Sunday.
"But in general that concern doesn't affect the way you play the game. There is an effect on the way you are going to recover. But since we played Chelsea the whole focus has been on preparing for this surface and the Europa League itself."
Martinez's side welcome Young Boys to Goodison Park for the second leg next Thursday.
Shane Callaghan
