Alarmed & dangerous

Gers stars got a rude awakening from the bells but it kept us sharp for the Lovenkrands final says Ibrox hero Art

- ANDY NEWPORT

ALARM bells gave Arthur Numan a rude awakening on the morning of the 2002 Scottish Cup Final. 

But there was no need to panic after the Dutchman and his Rangers team-mates stirred themselves into action as Peter Lovenkrands’ famous last-minute winner clinched a precious win over Celtic.

Now the Ibrox hero is hoping Philippe Clement can rouse another grandstand finish from this team come Saturday to send the Light Blues legions to bed dreaming of better times next season.

Numan was part of the Alex McLeish side that left Celtic sickened when Lovenkrands swooped to snatch the trophy in a 3-2 Hampden thriller.

The Dane’s diving header came just minutes before the clock struck 5 pm on cup final day – 13 hours after Numan and his yawning colleagues had found themselves shivering outside the team hotel wearing only their undies due to fire alarms being set ringing.

The 54-year-old has no idea who caused the early morning disturbance and whether it was a prank designed to wreck their chances.

If it was a premeditated move, though, it backfired on Martin O’Neill’s Hoops as the fired-up Ibrox side mounted a brave comeback to snatch the trophy, having twice trailed their rivals.

The former defender said: “We were in the Crowne Plaza.

“It was the middle of the night when the alarm went off.