Alexander looking to keep jersey

[Guest Jum Spence]

Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander hopes to take advantage of Allan McGregor's suspension at Ibrox and with Scotland.

 

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[ian1964 10,826]

by Lindsay Herron

 

NEIL ALEXANDER is hoping to show Walter Smith and the Rangers fans that he can become the No1 choice on a permanent basis.

 

The former CardiffNeil Alexander and Ipswich keeper has been given the slot as a result of the two-week suspension imposed on Allan McGregor and has already played against Falkrik and St Mirren.

 

However, Alexander, who faces Motherwell tomorrow, does not want to stand aside when McGregor is available again and wants to show he should be the first pick.

 

He said: "The manager has not told me how long I am in for so it's just a case of going in and trying to do the best I can.

 

"I certainly hope I can keep my place going forward. If I'm not doing the business then the manager has obviously got to look at the situation.

 

"Allan will be back in a week or so and Graeme Smith is waiting in the wings but I hope to prove to the fans and the manager that I'm good enough to be the Rangers No1.

 

"I was obviously disappointed at the start of the season but Allan had been playing well and deserved to keep his place.

 

"However I have never thought about leaving here. It's a dream come true to be playing for a club like Rangers and I want to do it for as long as I can.

 

"I've got a wee run of games now and hopefully I can continue after that."

 

Alexander came in this time last year when McGregor damaged his ankle at Parkhead and ended up winning the Scottish Cup and helping Rangers to the UEFA Cup Final.Alexander comes on for McGregor

 

He said "It seems to be that come April I am called upon and it's a bit daunting because I am coming in to a high pressurised situation but I handled it last year and I enjoyed it last year so hopefully I can do the same again.

 

"Last year was different because we had the big European games as well whereas this year the focus is the league title. Every game is a cup final.

 

"It's frustrating sitting on the bench but I have an opportunity now and hopefully I can take it with both hands.

 

"At Rangers the spotlight is always on you and you can't afford to make mistakes, especially when you are a goalkeeper because they could result in goals.

 

"So there is a little bit more pressure on my position but I am fully aware of that and hopefully I can do the job to the best of my ability and not let anybody down."

 

Ironically, if Alexander shines for Rangers it could lead to a recall to the Scotland set-up which McGregor has been banished from.

 

However, the keeper knows where his priorities lie.

 

He said: "I spoke to Allan briefly just after the Scotland thing. I tried to call him yesterday but his phone was switched off. Obviously he is keeping his head down and thinking about what he has done and I'm sure he will come back a stronger and better person for it.

 

"First and foremost my priority is to do a good job for Rangers and whatever comes along with that then great. If it gets the attention of the Scotland manager and puts me in his thoughts that's fantastic.

 

"However, my main priority is to do the best job I can for Rangers."

[Super_Ally 0]

McGregor is still suspended tomorrow.

 

Would have made more sense bringing this story out next week when he Greegsy is available again.

[Norris Cole 0]

Going by the timeless and universal premise that a goalkeeper should stay in the team until he makes a mistake, Alexander should have the jersey until the season's end. But Smith has shown more than once with these two that he has his favourites. My personal opinion is that while McGregor is capable of more spectacular saves, it is Alexander who is the more consistent keeper.

[Bluedell 5,876]

McGregor is the better keeper and should be back in the team in my opinion, given that he has got over his early season shakes.