Neil gloves the limelight

May 4 2008 By Mark Guidi

WALTER SMITH has praised back-up keeper Neil Alexander for keeping Rangers' quadruple bid afloat since he was thrown in at the deep end.

Alexander, who has three clean sheets from his six games, pulled off crucial penalty saves to help Gers into the Scottish and UEFA Cup finals.

The 30-year-old now has a chance of lifting three trophies although Allan McGregor may return from an ankle injury before the end of the season.

Alexander will play against Hibs today and Smith (left) said: "It has been awkward for Neil because there was disruption to our defence when he came in. Like a few of the signings hewas plucked from obscurity but is enjoying it.

"He is an experienced keeper and has handled it well."

Smith hopes the exhausting midweek effort doesn't take its toll at Easter Road.

He said: "Hibs is a big game and there's a concern about mental tiredness. The boys' concentration has been huge in every game."