Alexander on Scottish bench today

Last updated : 07 June 2003 By Michael Morris
Neil has been involved in the Scottish squad for over a year now and is still waiting for his 1st cap. Celtic's Rob Douglas is the No.1 keeper with Alexander and Paul Gallacher of Dundee Utd challenging.

Alexanders chance may come, not today though as coach Bertie Vogts will keep faith with Douglas as he faces his countrymen in the Euro 2003 qualifier.

Douglas is falling out of favour at Celtic while Gallacher is also losing his place at Dundee Utd. Alexander is firmly No.1 at Cardiff who will start a Division 1 campaign next season. Maybe the future is Alexander for Scotland.

Former Scotland keeper Alan Rough thinks Alexander will become No1.

"Berti Vogts has always said that if you are not playing first-team football for your club then you will not be able to play for the national team," Rough told the Western Mail.

"There is talk that Douglas will not be Celtic's first-choice goalkeeper next season and, with Paul Gallacher already losing his place at Dundee United, Neil could well be our No 1 next season.

"I know that sounds crazy because Neil has not yet been capped but at the moment we do not have that many Scottish goalkeepers.

"I have seen Neil play on TV and he has a lot of confidence. He seems to have a bit of cockiness about him. He really believes in himself.

"I think he has got a great pair of hands. He does not try to parry the ball - he tries to hold onto it. He is young for a goalkeeper and he is definitely going places.

"The fact he will now be playing in the First Division for Cardiff will only bring him on even more.

"He has established himself as our No 2 and he has a good chance of becoming our No 1."

Rough is as surprised as anyone that Vogts has not given Neil a cap.

"I am amazed that after all the friendlies Neil has been involved in that Vogts has still not given him a game.

"Douglas is Vogts' No 1, but we are not sure if he will be starting for Celtic next season. We have to wait and see what O'Neill does there.

"Neil had a good chance of playing against New Zealand last month but Douglas was not having the best of times at Celtic so Vogts gave him a vote of confidence by playing him.

"I do not think the goalkeeper's position is up for grabs at the moment. Douglas has not let Scotland down yet so Vogts will stand by him.

"But, if he is playing in Celtic's reserves next season..."