Keeper's Scots Withdrawal - Ipswich Town News
Town keeper Neil Alexander has revealed that he asked to be left out of Scotland's squad for their Euro 2008 qualifiers with Lithuania and France this month due to the impending birth of his second child.
Alexander says that national team boss Alex McLeish was OK with his decision: "I was in the squad for the game against South Africa at Pittodrie a couple of weeks ago but I decided to withdraw this time.
"The gaffer was very understanding. It is important to me to be with my wife at this time."
The keeper is ready to return to Ipswich today should he be required: "I'm going to make sure my car is at Watford so I can get back if I get a call saying Joanne has gone into labour.
"I'm just glad we're not playing in the north of England or down at Plymouth because that would make it difficult.
"Watford isn't a million miles away, so if anything happens I'll be straight back to Ipswich."
Meanwhile, former Town striker Shefki Kuqi made a late transfer window move from Crystal Palace to Fulham last night. The Finnish international has joined the Cottagers on loan until January.
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