GLEN Johnson reckons the state of Liverpool’s pitch was one reason why they failed to beat Blackburn Rovers in Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final clash.

But, ahead of next month’s replay, Rovers boss Gary Bowyer has warned the Reds their Anfield surface is like Wembley compared to the one they will encounter at Ewood Park.

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Former Chelsea and West Ham defender Johnson said: “Without doubt it’s the worst it’s been during my time at Liverpool but it’s the same pitch for both sides.

“You have to watch your touch more because it bobbles so much and it’s harder for Philippe (Coutinho) and Raheem (Sterling) to dribble with the ball.

“It slows everything down because the bounce is so irregular.

“It takes a bit more concentration and it’s harder to play one touch football which is what you need to open these teams up around the box.

“But we can’t make excuses.

“We just didn’t play to our best and they played well and made it tough.”

Before the 0-0 draw Reds boss Brendan Rodgers also complained about the pitch.

Afterwards Bowyer, whose team return to Championship action at home to Bolton Wanderers tomorrow, said: “Our players were pleasantly delighted to see so much grass on the pitch at Anfield.

“Ewood is not like that. Brendan was complaining about the pitch here.

“Wait until he sees Ewood. It makes this look like Wembley.”

Johnson hopes Liverpool, who have won nine of their last 11 Premier League matches, will triumph in the replay.

He said: “Hopefully we’ll play better in the replay and get the win we want.

“You’ve got to give Blackburn credit because they worked hard.

“They got men behind the ball and defended well.

“But we’re still confident we can go through.”