Source: Team_Talk
Neil welcomes title pressure
Celtic returned to the summit with a 2-1 win over Dundee United last night.
But Rangers know that victory from their remaining three games - starting with Hibernian at Easter Road - would see them crowned Scottish champions regardless of the efforts of their bitter rivals.
"People talk about pressure but it's a nice pressure," he said.
"We would rather have the pressure of being top of the league as it reflects that we are doing well.
"We know what's at stake, we know if we win our games we will win the title. The boys are just dying to get the games underway."
A dramatic collapse last year saw Rangers lose out on the championship on the final day and Alexander insists that experience has only made them hungrier this time around.
"What happened last season sticks in your throat," he admitted.
"We were so close and all the boys still remember the feeling driving back on the bus from Aberdeen.
"It's not a nice feeling so hopefully that will spur us on and take us over the line to win the league."
Asked if he thought there was any chance of a repeat of last season, he replied: "I certainly hope not. The boys feel great, the confidence is very high, we feel fresh and hopefully that stands us in good stead for the remaining three games.
"We know what's at stake so the boys will be raring to go. The freshness is the difference.
"There were games coming at us left, right and centre last season and it was very difficult to prepare right and rest, as well as train at the same time.
"This time, we have a bit of time in between each game so we can prepare right and look forward to the games. That will be the factor that's different from last season."
Rangers have now won seven games in a row in all competitions and Alexander said: "It's massive. You get into a winning habit.
"It's a nice habit to have and it took us to the top of the league. It's where we want to be and hopefully we can continue the run.
"If we do, we know what's at the end of it. There are a lot of rewards there."
Hibs goalkeeper Yves Ma-Kalambay insists they are not interested in who wins the SPL as they bid to upset the title bids of both halves of the Old Firm in the space of only five days.
As well as Rangers, Hibs face Celtic in the capital on Sunday knowing they could play a major role in the destination of the championship.
Ma-Kalambay is adamant there will be no favours shown to either opponent as Hibs approach the double-header as if they themselves were chasing top spot.
He said: "We will play to win. We have three games to go, nine points to grab, and that's what we're going to try to go for.
"Whatever happens at the top is too bad, we're playing to get the three points and not to do anybody favours.
"We want to show our attitude to the fans, that we are here to the end. We will prepare for the last three games like we are preparing to be champions. That is our mind-set."
