Feeling Fresh

[ian1964 10,447]

By Andrew Dickson

 

NEIL ALEXANDER reckons Rangers are in the perfect position to avoid missing out on the SPL trophy like they did last season.

 

The Light Blues were in control of their title destiny until three games from the end of the campaign 12 months ago.

 

Neil AlexanderOn that occasion, the sheer volume of their gruelling 68-game schedule caught up with them as fatigue took a grip of Walter Smith's squad.

 

Now, with three rounds of fixtures to go again, Gers sit two points clear of Celtic at the top of the league table.

 

But they're not having to play nearly as much this time and this season will be 19 games shorter than the 2007/08 schedule was.

 

Alexander feels that has helped the team far more as it bids for a record 52nd championship and he's confident there won't be another collapse.

 

He said: "I certainly hope there isn't one. The boys feel great, our confidence is very high and we feel fresh. Hopefully that stands us in good stead.

 

"We know what's at stake in our three remaining games and we're raring to go. We've prepared right, both physically and mentally, since Saturday's game with Celtic.

 

"Hopefully that will help too and I feel the freshness we have is the big difference this season from last.

 

"We had games coming at us left, right and centre back then and it was very difficult to prepare correctly and get enough rest and training time.

 

Neil Alexander celebrates beating Celtic"This year we have a bit of time between each game we play and we can look forward to them.

 

"The bitter taste of what happened last year sticks in your throat. We were so close and we all remember the feeling of driving back on the bus from Aberdeen.

 

"It wasn't nice so hopefully that will spur us on and inspire us to put things right on this occasion."

 

Alexander turned in a good performance at the weekend as Steven Davis, one of his closest friends at Murray Park, scored to ensure Rangers won the derby 1-0.

 

It was a brilliant moment for the former Cardiff City keeper, who ranks it as one of the greatest he has ever had.

 

The 31-year-old added: "We knew it was such a big game and a vital one in which we had to get three points.

 

"To come through it successfully, after all the pressure we were under to get a result, was great.

 

"It was one of the best feelings I've ever experienced in my career. The final whistle was all about relief more than anything."

 

Neil Alexander celebrates beating Celtic with Kenny MillerAlexander's focus now turns to the clash with Hibernian tomorrow night, a match which could take Rangers a step closer to the silverware if they win.

 

He knows it's vital to get another positive result after seven wins recently for the sake of keeping the destiny of the championship in the Light Blues' hands.

 

Alexander said: "The momentum we've picked up has been massive. If you get into a winning habit, it's a nice habit to have.

 

"It has obviously taken us to the top of the league and that's where we want to be because there are a lot of rewards there for us if we keep doing well.

 

"We aren't getting carried away. We know the Hibs game is a really important one and it would be criminal to throw away our advantage after doing so well to get it.

 

"We're looking forward to each match and we're confident so hopefully we'll do enough to get ourselves over the finishing line.

 

"We're comfortable with the pressure of being top of the league because it shows we're doing the right thing and that must continue to be the case."