From Lindsay Herron in Sydney

NEIL ALEXANDER is resigned to the fact that he will start the SPL season on the bench - but he has no complaints.

The Scotland keeper got his first taste of the action for Rangers in pre-season yesterday in Sydney and did well in the goal-less draw with the host team played in awful conditions.

However, he has no illusions about taking the gloves from McGregor when the real games kick off on August 14.

It's tough being second choice especially when Alexander has always played well when he has deputised but he is realistic about his situation.

Speaking exclusively to RangersTV he said: "I think Allan did really well last season and he played in the vast majority of the games so he is very much seen as the No1 and I can have no complaints with that.

"I came in at the end of last season due to Allan's injury but I fully expect him to start the new season and all I can do is push him all the way and give the manager a headache.

"The manager is good in pre-season because he always tries to give Allan and myself equal playing time so I don't think there is a problem there but when I get in I have to grab it and try to impress him."

Alexander had to play for Queen of the South on July 20 when the Palmerston keeper got injured and there was no back so he was pleased to finally get back in familiar territory.

He said: "It was nice to get the jersey back on - a Rangers one that is - and nice to get into the swing of things."

Alexander made a vital save when he kept out a shot from Inaye Thiam and generally looked sharp although he did not have much else to deal with.

He said: "I managed to get a good hand on that but it was a nice height for me.

"I was happy with my performance and whenever I get my next chance hopefully I will do the same.

"The pitch was horrendous. In fact it was farcical and I felt that it got to the stage where it should have been scrapped because it was getting dangerous.

"We have a small enough squad as it is and we don't want to pick up any more injuries.

"However, it was good from a defensive point of view because we kept a clean sheet so that's a positive.

"We maybe didn't create enough chances but it's still pre-season and it's all about fitness for us.

"It will be another tough game with Athens and another challenge for us. Hopefully we can play better than we did on Wednesday."

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