Date of Birth: 10 03 1978
Place of Birth: Edinburgh
Position: Goalkeeper
Nationality: Scotland International Caps 0 International Goals 0
Neil Alexander Rumours and Transfers
17 08 2007
Alan Combe has given up hope of ever representing his country at senior level following his omission from the latest Scotland squad.
The Kilmarnock goalie continues the fine form he displayed in the latter part of last season and would have been forgiven for hoping he has played his way into Alex McLeish's plans.
The national team manager named a pool of 22 players for next week's friendly against South Africa at Pittodrie, in preparation for the forthcoming European Championship qualifiers against Lithuania and France.
However, there is no place once again for Combe, who was an unused substitute against Nigeria in 2002 and Sweden 2 years later.
"Nothing will happen now," he said. "I could have liked even only one cap. I wish I had got only one wee chance to get on the pitch, only to sample it. I have got a B cap and I was on the bench against Nigeria at Pittodrie and Sweden at Easter Road. Those are the only 2 times I have been involved. I thought I maybe had a wee shout at Dundee United, when I was doing well there, however nothing came about then so I think the door is firmly shut. If it ever happened, I would never turn it down. However, I think it is firmly in the past now."
At 33, Combe is far from ready to hang up his gloves anytime soon.
But he is keenly aware that those who are the mainstays of the Scotland set up, Craig Gordon, Allan McGregor, David Marshall and Neil Alexander, are all men still in their 20s.
He added, "I do not consider myself to be old, I am only 33, however the young boys coming through have done very well. Allan McGregor is in the team and he has done exceptionally well over the last year so he deserves it. And they have got big Marsh in there as well."
If there are any positives to be derived from a lack of international football, time and energy to devote to club matters is one of them.
Now fully-fit following a hip/thigh injury which baffled medics for a period last term, Combe is determined to lead from the back as Kilmarnock chase their 3rd consecutive top 6 finish in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
"That is what we will be focusing on," he mentioned ahead of Saturday's game at Motherwell.
"We have done exceptionally well for the last 2 years on the budget the gaffer was given, the boys are working extremely hard for each other. We got a bonus last year by getting to the CIS Insurance Cup final, albeit it finished horribly, so if we would get a top 6 finish again and another wee cup run, we will be happy."
The departure of Graeme Smith to Rangers in the summer prompted manager Jim Jefferies to add further back up to Combe and Chad Harpur in the shape of French goalie Damien Rascle.
"You require the competition," pointed out Combe. "The big man came to Italy with us for a few days [pre season] and did very well. Myself and Chad Harpur will welcome the challenge, he keeps us on our toes. We know he is ready to step in if require be."
13 08 2007
Former Celtic midfielder Stephen Pearson was rewarded Monday for helping Derby return to the English top flight with a call up to the Scotland squad.
Pearson, who has 6 caps, was named by manager Alex McLeish in his 22 man team for the friendly against visitors South Africa at Pittodrie in Aberdeen on August 22.
"It is a chance for us to look at another midfield whilst at the same time bearing in mind that win is still very important for us," mentioned McLeish.
"We would like to win this game however I have rested some of the senior players and I have got them on a stand-by list should we have any problems."
The 24 year old Pearson's former Motherwell team mate James McFadden is also included inspite of missing Everton's 1st match of the season through injury.
But there is no place for Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam or Kilmarnock forward Steven Naismith following their Scotland debuts in June.
Naismith was named in the U21 team for their clash with the Czech Republic the night before the South Africa game.
However, McLeish urged the young pair to show patience. "If they are disappointed to be left out, they should not be. They only must keep the form they have shown," he said. "It is important we do not rush the young players."
Scotland squad
Goalkeepers, Neil Alexander (Ipswich/ENG), Craig Gordon (Sunderland/ENG), David Marshall (Norwich/ENG), Allan McGregor (Rangers)
Defenders, Graham Alexander (Preston/ENG), Russell Anderson (Sunderland/ENG), Gary Caldwell (Celtic), Alan Hutton (Rangers), Jay McEveley (Derby/ENG), Stephen McManus (Celtic), Steven Pressley (Celtic)
Midfielders, Scott Brown (Celtic), Darren Fletcher (Manchester Utd/ENG), Stephen Pearson (Derby/ENG), Barry Robson (Dundee Utd), Gary Teale (Derby/ENG)
Forwards, Craig Beattie (West Bromwich/ENG), Kris Boyd (Rangers), James McFadden (Everton/ENG), Shaun Maloney (Villa/ENG), Kenny Miller (Celtic), Garry O'Connor (Birmingham/ENG)
23 06 2007
Cardiff City hope to increase their team further by signing a goalie in the next few days.
On Friday the Championship club said the arrival of Scotland midfielder Gavin Rae and fellow countryman forward Steve MacLean.
"The next target is a goalkeeper, we are pretty close, hopefully, to that happening," Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale informed BBC Sport Wales.
Irishman David Forde is the Bluebirds' only senior goalkeeper.
That follows the departure of out of contract Neil Alexander and player-coach Martyn Margetson's retirement.
But at least the outfield strength is looking rosier at Ninian Park, with the recruitment of Rae, MacLean plus full back or midfielder Tony Capaldi, who was out of contract at Plymouth.
"We have made no secret that we require more strike power up front and Steve MacLean's got a very good track record," Ridsdale added.
"We have been tracking him throughout the summer however Sheffield Wednesday were very keen to hang onto him. In midfield last year we struggled if Riccy Scimeca and Stephen McPhail were not available for every game, so what we have done again is transfer to increase those options with Gavin. At one stage he was captain at Rangers, a very experienced player and we are delighted to secure his services as well. We faced stiff competition from a number of other clubs who also would like to sign these 2 players. That they have chosen to come to Cardiff City instead makes it a very exciting time for us."
