RANGERS boss Walter Smith admitted after the shock defeat to St Mirren that he feels for Neil Alexander.

The keeper was dropped for the game with the Saints at Love Street yesterday in order to make way for Scotland squad member Allan McGregor.

Alexander, who played in the Uefa Cup Final last season, has done brilliantly since getting back into the first team last month.

Indeed, the three-time capped player was outstanding between the sticks for the Gers in their 3-0 win over Hibs at Easter Road last weekend.

And Smith confessed: "It was a difficult decision to leave Alexander out as he hasn't done anything wrong in the games he has played in.

"But it was also a little bit unfair on Allan McGregor to pitch him straight into the team in the summer after he had been out for a number of months.

"He possibly wasn't at his sharpest when he was playing earlier this season, but he is back now after three weeks of quite intensive training.

"He deserves the opportunity to get back in again and show what he is capable of for us because of the manner which he played in last season.

"But, yes, it is hard on Neil after the way he has played not just in the games this season, but also last season as well.

"We are in a position now where we now have got two very good goalkeepers at Rangers. There is a very good level of competition."