Neil set to have a bite at big Mac

Apr 27 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

JIM STEWART has tipped Old Firm rookie Neil Alexander to take the Parkhead pressure pot in his stride and seriously challenge Allan McGregor for the Rangers No.1 jersey.

The Ibrox goalkeeping guru knows both stoppers better than anyone.

And with McGregor likely to miss the rest of the season with an ankle injury Stewart is convinced Alexander will now step up to the plate.

Alexander was thrown into the lion's den 11 days ago in Gers' last battle with Celtic, coming on for the crocked McGregor and conceding a last-gasp Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink winner.

Now the former CardiffCity and Ipswich keeper will start against Celtic for the first time today and Stewart is in no doubt the 30-year-oldwill cope with the white-hot atmosphere - because keeping cool is his biggest asset.

Jim, who played for Rangers in the early 1980s, said: "Calmness is arguably the thing you need most going into an Old Firm game at Parkhead.

"And that's Neil's main attribute and his goalkeeping reflects that. When Neil went on for Allan there in the last game it gave him a wee taste of what the atmosphere is all about.

"So he has sampled it and today will be no different.

"I'm certain he'll come through with flying colours.

"He's not the nervous, quiet type, he's definitely geed up for the game. In fact he's as excited and as ambitious to do well as anyone at the club.

"Hopefully with his performance he'll help realise those ambitions.

"It will be the manager's decision if Allan comes back in automatically when he's back to full fitness.

"Allan has shown he is No.1 and it's up to Neil to prove he's capable of genuinely challenging for it.

"He now has the chance to do that. Alexander has been consistent in his first few games and it's up to him to keep the standard up."