Allan McGregor looks set to miss showpiece

ALLAN McGregor looks likely to miss out another major cup final appearance for Rangers tomorrow despite manager Walter Smith swithering slightly over his initial declaration that Neil Alexander will line up in goal for the Ibrox club.

Alexander has played in every round of the Co-operative Insurance Cup for Rangers so far this season, and, immediately after their 2-0 semi-final defeat of St Johnstone last month, Smith said the 32-year-old would retain his place for the final against St Mirren.

As McGregor's deputy for the past two years, Alexander has performed to a consistently high level whenever called upon by Smith. When McGregor has been sidelined because of injury or off-the-field indiscipline, Alexander has stepped in with his appearances for Rangers including the Uefa Cup final in 2008 and the last two Scottish Cup finals.

Tomorrow, however, sees Smith with no other reason to leave out his firmly established No1 goalkeeper apart from feeling an obligation to reward Alexander's patience and professionalism.

"Managers can always change their minds," said Smith yesterday when he was reminded of his comments following the semi-final. "You'll just have to wait and see who plays in goal on Sunday. But Neil has played in every other game in this competition and my intention was that would continue. I probably won't go back on that and I will play Neil due to the fact he has played in every other tie.

"There is no dilemma involved from my point of view and it is hardly a risk to playing Neil. When you have got two good goalkeepers, you are always going to have a problem with the one that's not playing. There are times when I know Neil has been disappointed not to play, but it has never affected him. He has played in some very big games for Rangers since he joined us, especially at the tail-end of both of the last two seasons when Allan has missed out. Neil has always handled the big occasions well."

With both Madjid Bougherra and Kirk Broadfoot sidelined by hamstring injuries, 18-year-old central defender Danny Wilson will make his first cup final appearance for Rangers.

"We have no worries about Danny handling the occasion," added Smith. "He has come into the team and settled into it right away, playing in Champions League and Old Firm matches. I don't see there should be any problem for him."