Alexander hoping for Scotland call

Alexander has helped Preston's bid for promotion

Preston North End full-back Graham Alexander says a call-up to the Scotland squad would be a dream come true.

The right-sided defender is eligible to play for Scotland through his Scots-born father and is one of several players who could come into contention for a place in Berti Vogts' next squad.

Scotland play Nigeria at Pittodrie on 17 April and Vogts will use the opportunity to have a look at untried players.

Alexander told the Preston website: "To be honest since I started playing football I've had two ambitions, to play in the Premier League and to play for Scotland.

Stiff competition

"Neither have come true yet but if it happens it will be brilliant and it would mean a lot to my family.

"I've been brought up supporting Scotland as far back as I can remember."

Alexander has been touted for an international cal-up by former boss, Davie Moyes, now manager at Everton.

"At the age I'm at, I thought it was out of reach but David Moyes always pushed me, told me I was good enough and told people about me. To be fair if I get a chance a lot of it will be down to him," added Alexander.

The 30-year-old faces competition if he is to make the squad, however, with Aberdeen's Kevin McNaughton likely to start the game against Nigeria at right-back after missing out against France.

Middlesbrough full-back Robbie Stockdale, who also qualifies for Scotland as a result of Scottish ancestry, has been widely tipped for a place in the squad.