Despite been born in Coventry, Alexander is eligible through his father. The call up of Alexander is another sign that Berti Vogts is expanding his search for his Scotland team. Alexander is regarded as one of the best full-backs outside the top flight and is a firm fan favourite at Deepdale. Alexander admitted that he has always dreamed of playing for Scotland and that he had lost faith but former boss, David Moyes, encouraged him to keep going.

Gary Megson has shunned the Manager of the Month award after claiming the award is cursed! As reported yesterday, the award seems to bring poor form to the winners. Megson is keen to keep his promotion train going without any mis-haps that he feels the award could bring. "I just don't want it. I don't even want to touch it". In a move applauded by us at 'A funny old game', Megson will raffle the champagne prize with the proceeds going to 'Sport Relief', a childrens charity. Well done Gary!

Despite promising not to turn Portsmouth into the new foreign legion, Harry Redknapp has his eyes on yet another foreigner. The Pompy boss is planning a raid for Cameroon defender, Raymond Kalla, of Spanish team Extremadura. Redknapp became imfamous during his spell at West Ham for importing 'dodgy' foreigners like Marc Boogers. His first major signing for Portsmouth was Bulgarian, Statislav Todorov from his old team.

Bad news for Crewe fans as star striker Dean Ashton needs explatory knee surgery, likely to keep him out for the season. Crewe are currently deep in the relegation battle and the fitness of Ashton is key to their survival. Crewe boss Dario Gradi still believes that Crewe can survive though "If we are good enough, we will get out of trouble. We still have enough games left and it's in our hands". Ashton has attracted Premiership interest ever since he burst onto the scene and rumours are rife that the 19 year old will move in the summer, meaning he could have played his last game in a Crewe shirt. One of Ashton's biggest fans, Graham Taylor, was favourite to sign the youngster for Aston Villa but he has since signed Peter Crouch. Although if Juan Pablo Angel leaves, as expected in the summer, Taylor may will swoop in on the hot prospect.