Neil Alexander wants to make the number one spot at Rangers his own. Alexander is now determined to make it as difficult as possible for Rangers manager Walter Smith to bring Allan McGregor back as first choice stopper.

Alexander said: "The manager has a tough decision, that's what he gets paid for.

"I can only make it as hard as I can for the manager to give him a selection headache.

"I've got my chance now and hopefully the manager can give me a wee run in the team. If I can be consistent in the next few games, who knows where it can take me?"

"I knew I was coming here to be back-up so I had it in my head that I wasn't going to play," said Alexander, who joined from Ipswich in January.

"When Allan got injured, things changed. But at the start of the season, when Allan got the nod, I sort of knew that would happen because he did so well last year.

"You've just got to get your head down and work hard. Although it is frustrating at times, you know it's hopefully going to benefit the team."

Alexander admits he has sympathy for his team-mate.

"I have been in that situation before and it's never nice to be dropped," the 30-year-old told Rangers World.

"The manager obviously had his reasons, and that's between Allan and the manager.

"I felt very sorry for him but at the same time delighted for myself.

"Allan's very professional and there's no animosity between us, he wished me all the best. I know he will take it in the right manner."