THE news that Liverpool defender Markus Babbel is now back in full training after missing most of last season with a debilitating virus will please all soccer fans.

Earlier this year he gave an emotional interview to The Sunday Times describing how the baffling virus which almost cost him his life forced him into a heart-breaking plea for help at a match at the Reebok Stadium.

German international Babbel revealed how the Wanderers-Liverpool Premiership match on August 28 last year brought matters to a head.

Babbel developed Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS), which kills one victim in 20, after initially contracting Epstein-Barr virus (EPV).

EPV is so common a bug that 95 per cent of the population carry it at some point in their lives. GBS is an inflammatory disorder of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord triggered by infection, but nobody knows why.

Babbel described how he started to feel poorly after the Charity Shield game against Manchester United.

He said: "I was really tired after the game and I felt the same when we played Bayern Munich in the Super Cup.

"I said to the coach: 'This is unbelievable. Last year I played 66 games, but now I'm so tired.'"

Liverpool's next game was at the Reebok and at half-time he staggered into the dressing room. "Listen, I have no energy. Put me out, I can't play," he told Gerard Houllier.

That was to be his last game for Liverpool.

Babbel, initially diagnosed with EPV, had treatment in Germany and by October seemed to be on the road to recovery. But he gradually became weaker and was rushed to a clinic in Munich recommended by Liverpool teammate Dieter Hamann. Within 30 seconds GBS had been diagnosed.

Babbel, at his lowest, lost all feeling in his hands and below his knees and shed two stone. At one point he could not even close his eyes.

Attaining the peak fitness required of a top-flight footballer will be difficult but Babbel is optimistic. "Hopefully I can play at the same level as before. It's hard after a year out to do that but the good thing is I'll be coming back in pre-season when everybody starts at the same level. I think my body's stronger and I just need practice."

Liverpool are also optimistic and deserve great credit foir giving Babbel a new contract while his future was still very much in doubt. Says Babbel: "The club is unbelievable. Liverpool are special and all they have given me I want to give back on the pitch."

Football fans the world over will say Amen to that . . .