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SOCCER star preacher Marvin Andrews last night begged Scotland rugby chiefs not to snub Euan Murray over his "never on a Sunday" stance.

 

Tough-guy Murray is understood to have told boss Andy Robinson that he is no longer prepared to play in internationals if they fall on the sabbath.

Like former Rangers ace Andrews, the powerful prop is a devout Christian - and after years of personal soul-searching he has opted to steer clear of Sunday action.

Murray will now miss Scotland's Six Nations opener against France in February but Andrews, now appearing for Queen of the South, said: "Euan has my full support.

"God will not think worse of him if he wants to play on Sundays, but he will certainly appreciate his decision to preserve the sabbath as a special day.

"Nor should the Scotland coaches and management think negatively about Euan's beliefs, which are obviously very strong.

"If Euan feels that his job does not 100 per cent require him to turn out at these particular times, then he should be equally respected by the bosses and the fans."

Andrews, who combines his life in football with preaching, reckons head coach Robinson and his team will reap the benefits of Murray's decision.

He explained: "If for any reason Euan was forced to play on Sundays, there is a good chance he would not perform at his best.

"His head might not be in it, his heart might not be in it - and the performance of the whole team could suffer."

Murrayfield bigwigs insist Murray's chance of future caps will not be affected by his decision.

Director of communications Dominic McKay said: "Euan and Andy Robinson have discussed the situation over the past few months.

"Andy fully respects his position and still regards him as a very important member of the squad."