NEIL Alexander is Ipswich Town's best bet to have a representative in next summer's Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.The 29-year-old goalkeeper has sat on the bench for the majority of Scotland's qualifying games, and would be in with a chance of a squad place if Scotland beat Italy at Hampden Park tomorrow and go through.
By Elvin King
NEIL Alexander is Ipswich Town's best bet to have a representative in next summer's Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Switzerland.
The 29-year-old goalkeeper has sat on the bench for the majority of Scotland's qualifying games, and would be in with a chance of a squad place if Scotland beat Italy at Hampden Park tomorrow and go through.
The Edinburgh-born keeper will be keeping his fingers crossed that Alex McLeish's side pull out all the stops against the current world champions.
And he thinks they will.
“They have a good chance,” said Alexander.
“After beating France home and away, Scotland will have nothing to fear.
“It is the most important game Scotland have played for a long while, and they will have 52,000 enthusiastic supporters right behind them in the stands.
“With this support behind I am hoping the lads can rise to the occasion again.”
Alexander is not so confident about England's chances of making it through to the finals, and he added: “If England fail to make it and Scotland do - it will go down very well north of the border.”
The impending birth of his second child led to Alexander not being selected for the previous set of qualifiers - and he was not included in the squad to face Italy.
“Naturally it would have been nice to have been selected, but it gives me the chance to have a few days off to spend with my family.
“Sunderland goalkeeper Craig Gordon has played every minute of every qualifier, and I am sure he will enjoy another good game tomorrow.
“If I keep playing well for Ipswich then I would hope to be considered for the place in the finals squad.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here