Medals outweigh frustration for Neil Alexander as Rangers understudy

• Working with goalkeeping coach Jim Stewart is one of the reasons that Neil Alexander is happy to stay at Rangers. Picture: SNS

The 32-year-old goalkeeper, who will make his first appearance of the season in tonight's Co-operative Insurance Cup third-round tie against Dunfermline at Ibrox, is close to agreeing a new three-year contract with the Scottish champions.

Alexander's existing agreement expires at the end of the current campaign, when he would be free to look for alternative employment and the greater likelihood of regular first-team football.

But, while he admits to a level of frustration in being Allan McGregor's deputy at Rangers, he says it is outweighed by the satisfaction he has experienced in both his life and career since joining the club from Ipswich Town in January 2008.

Since then, Alexander has collected a full set of domestic winners' medals and played in high-profile fixtures at home and abroad whenever McGregor has been either injured or sidelined for non-footballing reasons.

Alexander remains content to stick around as back-up for McGregor in the belief he can step into his position on a more permanent basis if the 28-year-old Scotland international evermoves on.

"I understand the situation here," said Alexander. "Allan has done well and all I can do is keep reminding the manager that, if called upon, I can do a job.

"The recent transfer window ended with Allan still here which is very much to the benefit of Rangers. We need to keep our best players. But in the future, if Allan decides he wants to go somewhere else, and I'm still here, then I'd like to think I would be given a chance to stake my claim as No 1. Obviously the club would still sign another goalkeeper if Allan left, but it would be up to me to prove to the manager that I'm the No 1 choice. You can't take anything for granted at this club, you have to earn the position as No 1.

"I've always said I'm very happy here, on and off the pitch. I love coming to Murray Park, working with (goalkeeping coach] Jim Stewart and the other goalies. We train hard and get on really well.

"I also love living in Glasgow. My wife and kids are happy and settled here, so that has to come into it.

"I can't complain about my time at Rangers so far. I've played in cup finals, Old Firm matches, big European games and been part of title-winning squads. It's fantastic being at a club like this. It's a case of asking myself why I would want to leave. It's been a great experience for me.

"I've got no desire to leave. This is my last season but we are speaking about a new deal. I hope we can get that sorted pretty soon because I'm desperate to stay. In offering me a new deal, the manager has made it clear he is happy with what I'm doing here.That's a great confidence boost for me.

"I could go somewhere else and not play in cup finals, the Champions League or be in contention for any winners' medals. I've come to Rangers and played over 30 first-team games, including four cup finals. I couldn't have dreamed of anything better."

Alexander is again the designated goalkeeper for Rangers' League Cup campaign this season as they begin the defence of the trophy they won in dramatic circumstances with nine men against St Mirren at Hampden in March.

"It doesn't get an easier waiting for your chance, but I'm looking forward to playing at Ibrox again," he added. "It's difficult, but I can also go out there with no pressure on me to some extent. Whether I have a great game or a terrible game, I know I'm going to be back on the bench at the weekend. I do put a pressure on myself, however, to perform well. I have my own high standards and I'm not happy if I don't meet them."

Rangers manager Walter Smith expressed both surprise and delight at Alexander's willingness to commit himself to a new contract.

"I was a wee bit concerned we might lose Neil," admitted Smith. "But despite not being happy at not playing regularly, which I can always appreciate, he enjoys it here and I'm hopeful we'll reach an agreement with him shortly. I couldn't hope for two better goalkeepers than Neil and Allan. They are both excellent."

Smith will make changes for tonight's visit of the First Division leaders, with veteran captain David Weir likely to be given the night off as Andy Webster makes his first appearance of the campaign following further injury problems.

"We just want to see Andy get a level of stability in being available for selection," said Smith.

"He did well on loan at Dundee United last season but then unfortunately got another injury during our pre-season trip to Australia. We could be doing with him staying fit and I would hope that will be the case this time.

"It's not about resting players like Davie Weir as such. As Sir Alex Ferguson said last week, it's about making sure the players in your first-team squad don't fall behind in terms of competitive fitness."

On that front, Smith has encountered a setback in getting former England striker James Beattie up to speed. The recent recruit from Stoke City had been lined up for a starting place tonight but has suffered a hip injury in training.

"James needs to play games more than anyone," said Smith, "But we'll just have to wait and see how he is. We could give Kenny Miller a night off if James is available."

Steven Whittaker misses the match due to a suspension carried over from last season's tournament and he will be replaced by Kirk Broadfoot.