A BRAVE Port Glasgow girl had her hospital pals in stitches after telling a Celtic idol that her family preferred rugby to football.

Six-year-old Rosie Veronica Mitchell is battling cancer and is currently being treated at the Glasgow Children’s Hospital after contracting sepsis following a session of chemotherapy.

She enjoyed a visit from Celtic player Stiliyan Petrov, who was in town ahead of his charity match at Parkhead to raise cash for cancer charities.

The former Hoops midfielder, a himself survivor or leukemia, took time out to visit the hospital and spend some time with the children.

Rosie took the opportunity to test out his skills at another sport by playing some golf with the star.

Her mum Donna-Louise was full of praise for the Celtic hero, saying he spent a lot of time with the children and listened to all of their stories.

She added: “Rosie had a great time, he was a lovely man. Stiliyan spent a lot of time with the kids and was very interested in their stories, which was really kind of him.

“Rosie had us all laughing though when she told him her dad and brothers liked rugby and not football!”

Stiliyan is now one of Rosie’s Rascals after she gave him a band, officially welcoming him to her fundraising team.

Donna-Louise added: “He really understood the position we are in which was nice and reassuring for me.

“Rosie gave him and the man from the Celtic Foundation a Rosie's Rascals band and said they were now her friends.”

The youngster took the visit in her stride, however her aunt June was a little starstruck and even made Celtic Foundation badges for his arrival.

The family recently set up the Rosie's Fighting Fund to pay for potentially life-saving treatment abroad should Rosie need it.

To donate visit www.solvingkidscancer.org.uk/rosiemitchell

Greenock actor Martin Compton also featured in the charity match on Saturday.