Villa correspondent Brendan McLoughlin brings you his daily diary from the Peace Cup in Malaga – starring Mr Petrov, the unbeatable Isaiah Osborne and a golfing Martin O’Neill.

A mystery visitor arrived at Villa’s hotel this week asking to see a Mr Petrov.

Our Stiliyan is well known among the Villa support for being the accommodating type and he duly obliged by agreeing to meet the chap.

But this was no autograph hunter. The visitor had popped by to tell the Bulgarian, a happily-married family man, to get in touch should he need anything – watches, women, you get the picture.

A bemused Petrov politely declined, just about managing to keep a straight face until his new fan departed.  It wasn’t just the bizarre offer which soon had Petrov in stitches though.

Turns out the individual thought he was talking to his Bulgarian compatriot and namesake, Martin Petrov of Manchester City.

Forgotten man Isaiah Osbourne can at least console himself with his form in this week’s Wii Sports Olympics at Villa’s hotel.

The games machine has proven popular with the players in between their early-morning and evening training sessions.

Team-mate Emile Heskey said: “He’s incredible. No one can get near him.”

If only it were the case on the field.

It went from Wii golf to the real deal on the course .

With their Marbella base rather conveniently having its own golf course, the players and staff have also had the chance to unwind with a round or two.

But there’s one man at the club no one backs themselves against – reserve team chief Kevin MacDonald.

Manager Martin O’Neill said: “He’s some player. I tend to thrash it around more.”

So does the Villa boss fancy his luck any more against his players?

He added: “You won’t see it! I don’t want to show myself up!

“And if I see anyone out on the course the day before a game they’ll be getting fined!”