Neil Alexander signs three-year deal to stay with Rangers

NEIL Alexander has signed a new three-year contract with Rangers, ensuring the Scottish champions will have a ready-made replacement for Allan McGregor in the event they sell their current first-choice goalkeeper.

Since joining Rangers from Ipswich Town in January 2008, Alexander has proved a reliable deputy for McGregor. The 32-year-old's existing deal was due to expire at the end of this season, leaving him free to speak to other clubs at the turn of the year.

But Alexander was happy to turn down the prospect of seeking guaranteed first-team football elsewhere in order to extend a period with the Ibrox club which has provided him with the greatest satisfaction of his career.

"I have worked my whole career to get to a club like Rangers," said Alexander, "so why would I want to be in a hurry to leave? I'm just delighted to be involved in the tremendous successes at Rangers. I hadn't won a lot before I came to Rangers and now I have won every domestic honour going, so it's fantastic. I am very keen to win more.

"Obviously I would like to play more but I feel I have been involved in more matches than I thought I would. I have played 42 games so far and if I'd been told that would happen before I signed, then I would have been delighted. Hopefully I can continue to get games in the next three years. That's one of the reasons why I have signed a new deal."

McGregor's current outstanding form for both Rangers and Scotland has inevitably led to speculation he will attract enquiries from English clubs in the January transfer window.

Given the ongoing financial constraints at Rangers, they may find it difficult to turn down a sizeable offer for the 28-year-old, especially now Alexander's future has been secured. Rangers also have high hopes for their current third choice goalkeeper, 19-year-old Grant Adam, the younger brother of Blackpool and Scotland midfielder Charlie.

Alexander revealed he would have been happy to commit himself to a new deal sooner but was prevented from doing so by the difficulties being faced by the club in their relationship with the Lloyds Banking Group. "We had started to speak about a contract last season," added Alexander, "but due to the financial situation at the time it was put back a bit as there were more pressing matters. I was happy to wait.

"So I'm absolutely delighted that we have now got it all signed and sealed and we can concentrate on the football."