Rangers manager Walter Smith would be prepared to let frustrated keeper Neil Alexander leave Ibrox.

The 31-year-old has voiced his concerns about playing understudy to Allan McGregor and may seek a move.

"He's been excellent for us when he's come in and played," said Smith of his number two goalkeeper.

"If he does say to me that he would like to go somewhere else, then if the time's right and the opportunity's there then we have to let him do so."

Alexander made his first Scottish Premier League appearance of the season in Saturday's 3-0 win over St Johnstone after McGregor suffered a hamstring injury.

He will continue to wear the gloves for Tuesday's rearranged visit to Dundee United.

However, Smith expects McGregor to be fit in time for the weekend.

The Ibrox manager insisted he can understand the frustration of Alexander, adding: "It's natural; footballers want to play football.

"Especially in the goalkeeping position, you don't get that many opportunities."

Smith then admitted it had been difficult to repeatedly drop Alexander, despite good performances from the former Livingston, Cardiff and Ipswich player.

"As a manager, you stand or fall by those decisions," he said.

"But it is awkward, considering that he's a terrific professional.

"He's not let the disappointment prevent him applying himself to the game."

Following his clean-sheet against St Johnstone, Alexander spoke of his frustration.

"I'm getting on a bit now and I'd like to be playing here but, if I'm not, then maybe I've got to start looking somewhere else," he told BBC Scotland.

"I've played in some big games and won trophies and that success drives you on - you want to play week-in, week-out and play more and more.

"It's tough when you're back on the sidelines after so much success.

"I knew what I was getting into when I signed. Obviously, I was brought in to be a number two and I've probably had more opportunities than I thought I would.

"It's a fantastic club and I love it here. I enjoy working with Allan and it's a great bunch of lads."

Alexander signed a three-and-a-half year Ibrox deal in January 2008 and played in the Uefa Cup final and Scottish Cup final in his first season.

He picked up a second Scottish Cup winners' medal this year and played in enough games to merit a league medal.

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