Goalkeeper Alexander was promoted at Rangers after Walter Smith's surprise decision to drop McGregor three games ago. With Scotland manager George Burley set to name his squad for next week's World Cup qualifier against Norway this morning, Alexander is dreaming of an international recall more than two years after the last of his three caps.

"As a boy growing up, all you want to do is play for your country," he said. "I'm very patriotic and I'm very proud of the three caps I've got already and obviously I'd love to add to them."

However Alexander, 30, insists he will understand if Burley elects to stick with McGregor, who until recently was thought to be the undisputed number one at Ibrox.

"Coming to Rangers, I knew I was going to be a number two and my place in the Scotland squad was maybe in jeopardy because of that," Alexander said. "I don't know what the manager's thinking. Obviously, it's going to be difficult to leave Allan out. I'd like to be in, but if I'm not, I'm not going to lose too much sleep."

The insomnia may well begin if Alexander continues to keep McGregor out of the Rangers side but remains sidelined internationally. He is already setting his sights on November's glamour friendly against Argentina, which was announced yesterday.

"If I can keep doing well with Rangers, the Argentina game is coming up in couple of months and hopefully I can get in the squad for that one," he said.

Indeed, Alexander insists doing well with Rangers is his priority for now and he is relishing the run in the side he has been promised by Smith, who admitted rushing McGregor back from an ankle injury at the start of the season.

"I'm loving it," said Alexander. "It's nice to get a wee run in the team. It's been a long time coming from the start of the season. It's nice to finally get a chance and show the manager I'm capable of becoming the number one. It's tough for Allan, but, for me, I'll hopefully make the most of the opportunity given to me."

He added: "It was the manager's choice to make the decision. It was probably a very hard decision for him. For me, it's fantastic. He obviously believes in my ability and believes that I can do a job, which is very flattering for me and gives me a lot of confidence."

McGregor could be forgiven if he resented Alexander, and prayed for him to drop a clanger every time he plays. But that is just not the case, according to the new number one.

"We're great friends off the pitch. We get on really well. We train well together," Alexander said. "There's no animosity there. We have a good laugh in training. We work hard when needed. He wishes me all the best like I would if he was playing. I'm sure he supports me 100 per cent if I get the jersey on Sunday."

He added: "The goalkeeping union is unique and we've got to stick together because there's a limited number of us compared to outfield players. So we look after each other. We make sure everyone's okay in our little group.

"There's a good rivalry there rather than animosity between us. There never has been and there never has been at any club I've been at. Whoever gets the nod on a Saturday, you're always 110 per cent behind them.

"We talk about each other's game off the pitch. You give confidence and support to each other and you maybe give a shoulder to lean on."

Alexander welcomes the pressure of knowing one mistake could gift McGregor his place back and he has vowed never to take the jersey for granted.

"You can't relax – not at Rangers Football Club," he said. "(There are] too many important games. If you relax, you make mistakes, lose games. With Allan breathing down my neck wanting his jersey back, and Rangers wanting to win things, I can't relax."