Alexander is likely to be in goals for Rangers against Motherwell on Saturday

Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander is determined to make the most of team-mate Allan McGregor's one-match ban.

The 32-year-old is likely to replace McGregor after the Scotland keeper was suspended for a kick at Aberdeen's Chris Maguire on 26 September.

Ahead of Saturday's Scottish Premier League game against Motherwell he said: "It gives me a target to train for.

"I'll get my head down, work hard and make sure all the parts of my game are as good as I want them to be."

The former Ipswich keeper's opportunities to impress manager Walter Smith have been limited by the form of McGregor, who, Alexander insists, must be pushing Sunderland's Craig Gordon to be the number one choice for Scotland.

But with the Scottish Football Association's video review panel banning McGregor, Saturday's match at Ibrox against third-place Motherwell provides Alexander with a rare platform to impress the Rangers boss.

Without a trace of bitterness, he said: "I've worked hard throughout my career. I've come up the ladder.

"I'm at the pinnacle of my career at a massive club like Rangers. I am very fortunate to be here.

"I need to try to get into the first team.

"It's really difficult with Allan doing so well but if I am ever given the opportunity, like Saturday coming, if I do well you never know what is around the corner.

The goalkeeping position for Scotland is very strong. I think it is one of the strongest areas we've got Neil Alexander

"I'll look forward to a good week's training and the game on Saturday."

Alexander says he was surprised to learn of McGregor's suspension and feels his treatment by the SFA panel was "a bit harsh".

But he was thrilled to see him play so well against Czech Republic on Friday, despite Scotland's 1-0 defeat.

"It's what Allan does week in, week out for Rangers," he said.

"I think everyone knows what he is capable of and he has gone and done it at international level.

"The goalkeeping position for Scotland is very strong. I think it is one of the strongest areas we've got. Craig is coming back now so Allan will have to keep up his good performances to keep that jersey.

"He'll be busy again (against Spain). If he has a good game it will be difficult for Craig Levein to keep him out."

The former Stenhousemuir, Livingston and Cardiff player won the first of his three international caps in 2006 and, while he would love to add to that tally, he realises he has more pressing concerns at club level.

"It would be great to be in the Scotland squad but I can't expect to be there if I'm not playing first-team football week in, week out. I'm realistic about it," said Alexander.

"I love playing for my country. I am grateful to have got my three caps and it was the manager here that gave me them.

"I am always here to be called upon if Scotland need me."

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