|
Alexander's first cap came when he played 45 mins of a friendly defeat at Hampden park back in March. His second and third caps have come this week as Alexander became the senior keeper on the trip to Japan. First choice Graig Gordon stayed home to help Hearts win the Scottish FA Cup and when oportunity knocked for Neil he stepped upto the plate and did an excellent job.
Scotland won their first game against Bulgaria 5 - 1 and with the Bulgarians beating Japan it meant the home nation had to beat Scotland by a few goals to win the three team tournament.
Alexander kept them out though and the game finished 0 - 0 with Alexander being rated Man of the Match in the Scottish press.
The City keeper knows he has to compete with Craig Gordon
"It's been a good trip for me because I came with a point to prove to the manager. I wanted him to know he could rely on me if anything happens to Craig and I feel I've got that point across.
"Craig's had an outstanding season for Scotland and Hearts - he's the No.1, no doubt about it.
"But I wanted to show I was willing and able if ever needed.
"I know I'm out of the public eye in Scotland playing where I do but having been on TV maybe this game will have helped raise my profile.
"I'm still under no illusions - Craig's in control of the No.1 jersey and I'm just pleased to get two more caps to add to the one I had.
"I couldn't be more pleased with the way these games have gone.
"It's maybe proved a point to the Scottish public and our fans who were here tonight as well as the manager.
"From my point of view the clean sheet was great. Conditions made handling really difficult but my defence were a massive help to me when they had to be.
"You always like to make a few saves in games like this - it's a bonus when you're trying to establish yourself."
Brazilian legend and Japan manager Zico was quick to praise Alexander
"I was satisfied with the way we played but we came up against a very good goalkeeper.
"They knew what they had to do to win the tournament and put the pressure on us to get past them. We played well but couldn't score - their keeper has great technique and skill."
Scotland boss Walter Smith has made it clear that Alexander is in his international plans. Smith said of Neil's performances
"Neil's had two excellent games and obviously had a lot more to do tonight but his handling of the ball and his distribution were excellent, especially when you saw the conditions.
"No keeper likes it when it's as wet as that but he coped really well.
"We're pleased we have a great goalkeeper in Craig Gordon but this was a big game for Neil.
"It was a real test for him in front of a full house, a lot of pressure and he passed it well.
"We made sure it would be difficult for Japan to score and every time they did get through, Alexander was equal to anything thrown at him.
"The bonus is that he's stepped up and shown he can be solid at this level and it's good to know he can cope if required.
"We have a good set of quality keepers just now but some of them are young lads and it's important to have that wee bit of extra experience in there sometimes.
"I've no doubt over the qualities of any of them to be honest but Neil's shown he can step in and not be fazed in international football - that's not easy."