AS the links in St Andrews prepare for the inevitable golfing spill-over from the Open in Carnoustie this month, the grass on the other side of the town is also looking greener in preparation for a visit by European soccer giants, Barcelona FC.

The world-famous team has picked the Home of Golf for a week of pre-season training coinciding with the Open.

The Spanish giants will face Dundee United and Hearts in two sell-out friendlies during their time in Scotland, and those in the know are predicting a media frenzy reminiscent of the time when Prince William arrived to study at St Andrews University.

Given footballers' tendency to enjoy hitting a golf ball when they take a break from actually kicking one, the Barcelona players might well be seen on the links during their stay, although the Links Trust has no note of any reservations so far.

(http://www.fifetoday.co.uk )