The striker – who will be part of the Hibs squad which faces the Catalan giants at Murrayfield on Thursday night – has been attracting attention from across Europe in recent months and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Barcelona are also reported to have been keeping tabs on the young hitman's progress and Sylvinho, who arrived with the rest of his team-mates at Barca's St Andrews training camp yesterday afternoon, says it's a sign of the times.

Scotland have enjoyed some success at international and domestic level over the last year, with the national side beating France home and away in their Euro 2008 qualifying group, Rangers reaching the final of the UEFA Cup and Celtic qualifying for the last 16 of the Champions League.

And Sylvinho believes that it can only be a good thing that players produced in this country are now attracting attention from some of the world's top sides. He said: "I think it's very good when clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid or Chelsea are interested in players from Scotland."

And, when asked if he would recommend a move from Easter Road to the Nou Camp, the player added: "Of course, yes. We would be good for him."

Pep Guardiola's side take on Hibs on Thursday and Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday with an array of superstars in their side, but without Ronaldinho and Deco and with Samuel Eto'o on his way out. However, Sylvinho insisted that Barca have to look to the future and added: "Ronny's not a Barcelona player any more. I had some great seasons with him, and it was a pleasure to be in the same dressing room as him. He is a fantastic footballer, but that's life. He has to make his choice."

This is the second, and most probably last, time Barcelona will spend their pre-season in Scotland and Sylvinho hopes that they can use their time wisely, having lost out in La Liga to rivals Real Madrid last time around.

"We have to improve a lot," he conceded. "Last season was very disappointing, and we didn't expect to finish so far behind in the league. We're very happy to be here in Scotland. It's a very tranquil setting, but when it's time for work we have everything we need here."