Loading ...Alexander Focused
NEIL ALEXANDER insists he isn’t even thinking about a Scotland call-up after two good performances since replacing Allan McGregor in goal for Rangers. 
George Burley names his pool for next weekend’s World Cup qualifier with Norway tomorrow and some are tipping the 30-year-old keeper for a recall to the squad.
Alexander made a string of fine saves against Motherwell and Hibs, playing a key role in obtaining maximum points from those SPL fixtures.
Some are speculating that as a result, he could also go on to claim McGregor’s place in the national squad as back-up to Craig Gordon.
But Alexander is adamant his sole focus is on establishing himself as Walter Smith’s first choice at Ibrox and he isn’t giving much thought to adding to his three international caps.
He said: “It is not something that has crossed my mind if I’m honest. My attentions are just on playing well for Rangers.
“They’re the ones who pay my wages and they are my first priority but if I’m chosen in the squad, that will be fantastic.
“If I’m not, I won’t lose any sleep over it and I’ll just concentrate on doing well in our next game at Rangers which I’m hopefully selected for.
“Obviously, you want to play for your country as a boy growing up and I’m very patriotic and very proud of the three caps I have so far. I would love to add to them.
“I knew when I came to Rangers as a number two that my place in the Scotland squad was maybe in jeopardy as I wouldn’t be playing first-team football.
“Now that I’m in the side, I don’t know what the manager is thinking. It would be hard for him to leave Allan out as he has only missed a week and a half of first-team games.
“He might be back in the squad and I might not be. Whatever the manager decides, I’m fine with it.”
Alexander’s good form means McGregor, who signed a five-year deal in the summer, could find himself out of the Gers line-up for some time to come.
But the former Ipswich player maintains he won’t allow himself to relax into the position because he feels doing that will only lead to his own downfall.
Alexander added: “I’m loving being in the team and it is nice to get a chance on my own merits rather than because Allan is injured.
“It is tough for him at the moment but for me, I just need to try to make the most of the opportunity I’ve been given.
“We are great friends and train well together so I’d like to think the competition between the two of us will make me a better goalkeeper.
“But I know one thing I can’t afford to do is start relaxing into the position if I keep the starting jersey.
“You just can’t do that at Rangers. There are too many important games and if you relax, you make mistakes and lose games.
“With Allan breathing down my neck and wanting his jersey back, that’s the last thing I will be doing and that’s a good thing. It keeps me on my toes.”
Tags: Neil Alexander, Rangers
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