Boxing: Miracle Marv will have the doubters reaching for the Bible after that Sunday stunner; SAYS BERT KONTERMAN.

Byline: By Colin Duncan

'JESUS CHRIST has done it for me again' proclaimed Marvin Andrews' T-shirt as he celebrated Rangers' incredible title triumph at the Zion Praise Centre in Kirkcaldy.'

Hours earlier Andrews had indeed done the business for Rangers at Easter Road as a most remarkable, absorbing SPL championship race reached its stunning conclusion.

The deeply religious defender was one of the few who never lost faith, though former Ibrox hero and fellow believer Bert Konterman last night hailed Gers' success and Andrews' comeback a miracle.

Two years ago Konterman was part of the Ibrox squad who clinched the title on goal difference from Celtic on the last day of the season.

But the Dutchman insists the events of last weekend and the courageous return of Andrews in the closing weeks of the campaign far surpassed the drama in May 2003.

After damaging a cruciate ligament in March, Andrews defied medical opinion to decline surgery and play a massive part in helping Rangers overhaul Celtic.

Konterman feels it would be remiss to overlook the goal haul of Dado Prso and Nacho Novo, Fernando Ricksen's captaincy, Barry Ferguson's return and the belief manager Alex McLeish instilled in his players when all hope seemed lost following last month's shattering Old Firm defeat. But he insists Andrews' colossal contribution is the real story of Rangers' season.

Konterman said: 'Miracles still happen in this world - people are making full recoveries from terminal illnesses.

'If your belief is so strong a miracle can happen and a little one has happened for Marvin and Rangers.

'This is more special than two years ago because we were in the lead then. In the space of three minutes Celtic gave away a whole season and that's incredible.

'It proves anything is possible if you are interested and believe in God. After Sunday a lot of people who had no clue about the Bible are interested.

'Marvin has proved it and I know it is possible to play with cruciate damage if you are strong enough.

'Marvin says it is the hand of God making him play on, though I still think it's a strange decision.

'I'm also a religious person and God also made hospitals and surgeons to help people.

'It's unusual he hasn't chosen to have an operation and he is taking a risk but you do have to respect his choice.' Not even a first-choice at the start of the season when he was repeatedly left on the bench, Andrews has won over the sceptics who questioned his ability following his summer move from Livingston.

Konterman admits he was one of the doubters but is now convinced the big Trinidadian deserves to be the first name on McLeish's team-sheet following a string of spectacular displays.

Another remarkable aspect of Andrews' season was the lone booking he picked up - no mean feat given his game is built on power and raw aggression.

Former central defender Konterman appreciates Andrews' perfect sense of timing in the tackle - but reckons referees might give him the benefit of the doubt because of his Christianity.

He said: 'I had question marks about Marvin because I played against him a few times when he was at Livingston.

'He's a pretty simple footballer but look at all the top clubs in Europe and you see they all need players like this who don't pick up many bookings or red cards.

'Some times this season Rangers have been shocking and there has been a lot of pressure on the last line of defence.

'To receive only one yellow card as a defender you have done a great job for yourself, for the team and for the club.

'And Scottish football is so physical so it's an incredible achievement.

'However, with his background and religious beliefs I think referees look a bit differently towards him.

'They trust he'll not make any fouls on purpose. He's a good person and you see that in the way he plays football.'

Konterman, a fans' favourite himself, reckons Andrews' affability is the key to his popularity.

Fans appreciate the fact he doesn't indulge in the trappings of success and they can identify with the defender who left Easter Road in a chauffeur-driven M-registered Honda Civic.

Konterman said: 'Nothing will change Marvin and he'll never became arrogant. That's why the fans like him

CAPTION(S):

PRAISE TO GOD: Marvin Andrews pays tribute to his own Big Man while celebrating Rangers' title triumph at the Zion Praise Centre in Kirkcaldy; CAR-VIN ANDREWS: Rangers hero Andrews is mobbed as he leaves Easter Road and,right, celebrates title with Novo