The Portugal international came in for heavy criticism after Barca surrendered La Liga to rivals Real Madrid last season.

Rumours have abounded that the former Porto player could be squeezed out of the Nou Camp, with Newcastle United named as one possible destination - and he has been less than convincing when asked about speculation linking him with a move to the Barclays Premier League.

The 29-year-old, who is in Scotland with the Catalan side to play friendly matches against Dundee United and Hearts, looked pensive yesterday as he fielded several questions about his future.

He said: "I've got a contract until 2010 and I'm very happy here.

"Whenever Barcelona don't want me they just have to tell me - but I have not heard anything.

"I just want to play football - that is the most important part of my life, apart from my children."

Barcelona's cosmopolitan squad entertained locals at St Andrews as they went through their paces before tomorrow's fixture at Tannadice.

France star Eric Abidal expects the match against Craig Levein's men will be a dress rehearsal for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Scotland in Paris on September 12.

Left-back Abidal, 28, who joined Barcelona from Lyon in the summer for around £10million, predicts Scotland will defend for their lives when the crucial qualifier comes around.

The Scots upset the form book when they beat the World Cup runners-up 1-0 at Hampden Park last year, thanks to a Gary Caldwell goal.

Asked to consider the match against Scotland in two months' time, Abidal said: "It is a chance for us to get revenge for our defeat at Hampden.

"We should be able to beat Scotland and ensure qualification - but every team chance has a chance to qualify.

"We do not focus on individuals; we focus on the team - and it is never that easy playing against Scottish teams.

"Scotland are a very defensive team and defend vigorously. They try to their best to stop other teams playing.

"What is important for France is to seize our chance when we have it.

"It is important that anything I learn from these games I pass on to my colleagues in the national side. But we will have to be combative."