GARETH Ainsworth said he expects artificial surfaces to make a comeback in the professional game despite clubs failing to agree to use 3G pitches this week.

Football League clubs were tied 34-34 in a vote to decide whether their members should be allowed to install artificial pitches for use on matchdays, with four sides abstaining.

But Ainsworth - who played in the last professional match in England not played on grass - said the artificial pitches used nowadays are "worlds apart" from the notorious plastic one his former club Preston North End used to use.

He said: "Being a quick player I always got an advantage on the plastic pitch. If a defender let a ball bounce, it would bounce a country mile and you'd be able to take big advantage as players wouldn't be ready for that.

"Opposition teams turned up with moulded studs that would help in no way on that pitch - it was trainers all the way.

"I made my home debut and got my first goal in professional football on a plastic pitch so I have some fond memories.

"I'm sure it won't be too long before they start coming back into football. I think they probably will make a return - when that will be is up to the FA to decide."

Wanderers voted in favour of the proposals.