Rangers keeper Neil Alexander is dreaming of being a penalty shoot-out hero again in Wednesday's UEFA Cup final against Zenit St Petersburg.

After the Light Blues' Scottish Cup semi-final clash with St Johnstone in April finished 1-1 at the end of extra time, the former Cardiff keeper saved spot-kicks from both Steven Milne and Jody Morris to put Rangers into the final, where they will meet Queen of the South.

And his save from Fiorentina's Fabio Liverani in the UEFA Cup semi-final penalty shoot-out earlier this month helped the Govan club reach their first European final in 36 years.

The 30-year-old is preparing for another night of tension in Manchester and hopes to replicate his earlier penalty heroics if called upon.

He said: "It has already entered my head and obviously saving a penalty to win the cup would be the best thing in my career.

"It would be an unbelievable experience for me - and would make me very popular with the Rangers fans.

"In fact it would be fantastic for everyone associated with the club.

"When it comes to penalties, it's a bit of a lottery and it can go either way.

"I've been lucky since I've been at Rangers and I just hope it continues.

"I don't want to give too much away on my penalty-saving technique but I usually study the run-up.

"Maybe we will do a little bit of studying before the game to see if it can give us a clue but I think it will just be about what happens on the night."

Alexander, who arrived in January as back-up to Allan McGregor only to be thrust into the spotlight following an injury to the Scotland keeper, admits he has been caught up in the scramble for tickets for the City of Manchester Stadium.

He said: "It's not been easy. We only get a certain amount of tickets and my phone hasn't stopped.

"It is difficult to limit the people who are getting them and tell others they aren't getting any.

"Family and close friends are priority but it is disappointing because it's the biggest night of your life and you want as many people who are close to you as possible watching you.

"It's a huge game for everyone associated with the club so it would have been nice to go to a bigger stadium.

"I've not played in the City of Manchester Stadium but I have seen it on the television and it looks a fantastic arena.

"It's just a pity that it doesn't hold a bit more so we could get more Rangers fans in.

"But it will be a great occasion and the fans who will be in the stadium will get behind us.

"It's going to be a great, great night."