Brunt and Carson feel the heat - diary

After four gruelling days in the sweltering heat of Ptuj, Albion's players enjoyed some free time yesterday before returning to work this morning, writes Steve Madeley.

Most of the squad headed for the water park close to the squad hotel on the outskirts of the city - and Scott Carson and Chris Brunt were more relieved than most to cool off.

The duo have been struggling for sleep in their baking hot room since their arrival on Sunday, and it was only yesterday that Brunt cottoned on to the reason for the excessive heat.

While lying in bed, the Northern Ireland international spotted moisture dripping from a unit above his head. The air conditioning system was malfunctioning, leaving the duo excessively hot and bothered. "At least Scott's nocturnal nattering in his sleep, for once, is not to blame for my lack of shut-eye," said Brunt.

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Apparently, Jonathan Greening has been professional but a little subdued around the hotel.

But Brunt reckons it has less to do with his wish to leave the club and more to do with the loss of his best mate.

Greening is coming to terms with Paul Robinson's move to Bolton, and Brunt reckons the 'separation' is having a profound effect.

"We labelled them Mr Robinson and Mrs Greening," joked Brunt. "He hasn't known what to do with himself since Robbo left."

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Brunt has also revealed a new nickname has been dreamt up for Greening, following a poor week in front of goal in training for the captain.

He is now known by team mates as 'Jigsaw' - because he falls to pieces in the box.

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Robert Koren has taken on the roll of tour guide to his team mates during their time in his native country and has been inundated with requests for advice on tourist spots - not to mention complaints about the food.

The gentleman midfielder has spent the week ribbing the media covering the tour for failing to make the most of the sunshine on offer.

He reckons we've spent too much time in the lobby of the hotel filing copy and pictures.

But there was one piece of advice we were happy to take on board.

"Union beer is the best in the world", claimed 'Roko'. And having tested his theory, purely in the interests of research, we can confirm he has a point.