Popov living large at Litex

Having scored five goals in the UEFA Cup already this season, PFC Litex Lovech forward Ivelin Popov's eccentric genius is big news in Bulgaria.

Fine performance
In his first game since returning as Bulgaria coach, Dimitar Penev chose to give Popov a first senior call-up, and he impressed as a substitute in Wednesday's 1-0 friendly defeat against Wales. "I am delighted with Ivelin's display," said Penev, who was without Dimitar Berbatov and Valeri Bozhinov. "We will have competition in attack."

Wayward temperament
Bulgarian Football Union president Borislav Mihaylov was no less impressed, saying: "Some of our players are is still not in their best shape, but Popov played at a really high level." Considering that Popov had previously made more headlines for his temperament than his ability, the signs are encouraging for the once wayward youngster.

Scoring spree
Popov has been superb in Europe for Litex this season, scoring three goals against Sliema Wanderers FC in the UEFA Cup first qualifying round, and two more in the opening leg of the next stage against KS Besa. He has earned comparisons with the great Hristo Stoitchkov, and not only for his irascible tendencies.

Strange order
On his 19th birthday last October, Litex ordered him to get married in the next 12 months in order to lose some of his wild ways. A day later, vvidence of his short fuse came as he reacted to being jeered after scoring in a 2-1 defeat against PFC Rodopa Smolyan by venting his fury at the club's supporters.

PE lessons
That transgression earned him an odd punishment as he was ordered to teach physical education at a local school. A club statement explained: "There is no sense in punishing young players. They are full of energy and make mistakes. Everybody makes mistakes and we will try everything to keep Popov in check."

Itinerant career
That policy seems to have been successful, and another strike in Europe would make Popov Litex's all-time top scorer on the continent with seven goals. It all suggests an exciting future for the former PFC Septemvri Sofia and PFC Levski Sofia who briefly trained with Feyenoord before being picked up by PFC Beroe Stara Zagora in 2005.

Bigger stage
He joined Litex that summer before playing a single game for Beroe after impressing in a youth tournament. He is now also the captain of the Bulgaria Under-21 team, but after a first taste of senior international football, the hot-headed teenager may feel he is ready to shine on the very highest stage.