BBC Sport - Football - Rangers' Allan McGregor set to be on cup final bench (original) (raw)

McGregor and Alexander are both Scotland internationals

Allan McGregor is facing more Hampden disappointment, with deputy Neil Alexander set to start for Rangers against St Mirren on Sunday.

McGregor is first-choice goalkeeper, but Alexander has played in every previous round ahead of the Co-operative Insurance Cup final.

Manager Walter Smith said: "Managers can always change their minds.

"But Neil has played in every other game in the League Cup this season. My intention was that would continue."

Alexander was preferred for the Scottish Cup final against Falkirk in May as McGregor fell out of favour with Smith after the goalkeeper was axed from the Scotland squad following a late-night drinking session.

	I will play Alexander due to the fact that he's played in every other game Rangers manager Walter Smith

Injury also ruled McGregor out of both the Scottish Cup final and the Uefa Cup final the previous year.

But Smith appears likely to stand by Alexander, despite Sunday's final being the possible first leg of a domestic treble.

"I probably won't go back on that and I will play Alexander due to the fact that he's played in every other game," said the manager.

"It's hardly a risk, as we have two very fine goalkeepers at Rangers at the moment.

'When you have two goalkeepers like that then you're always going to have a problem with the one that's not playing.

"But Neil has played some very big games since he came here.

"Allan has missed the tail end of the past two seasons, unfortunately, and it has cost him some cup final occasions.

"Alexander has had to come in, but he has handled those occasions very well.

"Of course, there are times when I know Neil has been very disappointed at not playing, but the good thing has been it has not affected his attitude or his training."