PAL CRAIG'S NEVER HAD A BAD SPELL

CARDIFF keeper Neil Alexander has three caps - and he doesn't expect many more because he believes Craig Gordon will NEVER go through a bad spell.

Alexander is back-up to the Hearts star (below) for Scotland and he's his No.1 fan.

The 28-year-old Ninian Park hotstop said: "Craig has been in fantastic form for club and country for a couple of years now and there's no reason why he won't continue to play to such a high standard.

"I don't think he's ever had a bad game and it means I will just have to be patient. I'll do my bit to push him and that will be good for both of us.

"It would be nice to win more caps but we'll see what happens. I played against Bulgaria and Japan in the Kirin Cup tournament and felt I did well.

"I'm sure the manager knows he can call on me with confidence if anything ever happens to Craig.

"I'm pleased to see Craig doing well - I'm a Hearts fan and we also grew up in the same part of Edinburgh. We also attended the same school, Balerno High, and know a lot of the same people."

Alexander hopes to be playing in the Premiership next season and said: "We're building a 30,000 all-seater stadium just across the road from Ninian Park.

"It's fit for the Premiership and that's where I hope Cardiff will be.

"Dave Jones has added a few quality players and we're ready to go for it. We've had great results already this season, beating Birmingham and Leeds, and need to keep it going.

"We're ambitious and the club has backed the manager's plans.

"Stevie Thompson and Kevin McNaughton are also down here so we have a contingent of Scots and we've all been doing well. Stevie's been scoring goals and Kevin has been showing his versatility by playing in a number of positions.

"The Premiership is the target and I also hope to win a new contract. My deal expires at the end of the season and my agent has held preliminary talks already.

"I feel my form has been as good as ever and I hope I'm rewarded. I'm the longest serving player at Cardiff and don't want to leave. I love playing for the club and I love living in the city.

"We're going places and I want to make sure I'm there to enjoy it all.

"We're attracting big crowds and the fans are loving it. They are a passionate lot and love their football and rugby."

Cardiff gaffer Jones has been voted Champion- ship manager of the month for August and Alexander said: "He knows his stuff and I enjoy playing for him. He gets a positive response from all of us.

"He deserves to be managing in the Premiership and I hope he gets the chance."

Taken from the Sunday Mail