Hleb stays quiet on Gunner Cesc and Eidur downplays Hammer move

Certainly, the beautiful lady from Visit Scotland who welcomed them at the door of the Old Course Hotel struggled to suppress a grin as the Catalan giants pitched up for their pre-season training camp. 

Losing their appeal? Barca star Messi greets Scots fans

She knew Scotland’s image overseas would be enhanced by sun-kissed TV footage but there are still a few dark clouds on the horizon for the tour organisers.

Could it be, for instance, that the novelty value of having one of the greatest club sides on the planet on their doorstep is wearing thin for cash-strapped football fans in Scotland.

When Barcelona played Hearts in a pre-season friendly at Murrayfield a year ago, more than 58,000 people turned up but this time only around 25,000 people are expected for the match against Hibs at the same venue on Thursday.

Granted, the game against Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday is heading towards a 12,700 sell-out but it seems familiarity is starting to breed contempt even when it involves a team of Barcelona’s stature — as tour organisers hoped the Murrayfield fixture would attract many more.

Best foot forward: Barcelona's Alexander Hleb (left) tackles his team-mate Lionel Messi

Not that the size of the crowds will worry the Barcelona players, who have made it clear that having the chance to play golf on the most famous course in the world and train at the top-class facilities only five minutes from their hotel door were far bigger factors in their coming back to Scotland.

As well as the established stars, the new kids on the Barcelona block — like Alexander Hleb, who signed for £7million from Arsenal, Daniel Alves and Gerard Pique — were among those who wandered round the five-star hotel yesterday passing the time of day with American golfers who appeared to have no idea whatsoever who they were.

The Barca players had obviously been coached in diplomacy, with Hleb politely refusing to elaborate on his earlier claims that he expected his former Arsenal colleague Cesc Fabregas to join him at the Nou Camp, while Eidur Gudjohnsen smiled as he ignored suggestions he would soon be leaving Catalonia to join West Ham.

Experienced full-back Sylvinho, though, won the diplomacy award by a distance as he talked up Hibs striker and Real Madrid target Steven Fletcher - a player he had not even heard of before his arrival in Fife but one he will see in action on Thursday.

‘It is good when teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid or Chelsea have interest in young Scottish players,’ said the Brazilian. ‘It is good for him and his country.’