NEW Burnley defender Graham Alexander has joined the race to reach the Euro 2008 championships.

The 35-year-old teamed up with the rest of the Scotland squad this week as the qualifiers reach the closing stages.

Alex McLeish's men lie third in the table, three points behind leaders France, who they face on Wednesday, four days after hosting Lithuania at Hampden Park tomorrow.

But as well as the preparation for Scotland's crucial double-header, Alexander will welcome the break from a dramatic week on the domestic front.

Eight days ago, the 35-year-old ended an eight-and-a-half-year association with Preston North End to become the first player in 20 years to switch from Deepdale to Turf Moor and begin a new chapter in his career with rivals Burnley.

North End manager Paul Simpson wasn't prepared to extend Alexander's contract beyond the one that was to run out at the end of this season. Clarets boss Steve Cotterill tabled a two-year deal.

The former Luton defender was in no doubt that he wanted to prolong his career at Championship level. Nevertheless, it wasn't a decision he took lightly. Or easily.

In an ironic twist of fate that football often throws up, seven days after what proved to be his final game for Preston, at home to Colchester, he made his Burnley debut against the same side at Layer Road.

"It was a strange week all round really. If you'd have told me on the Saturday that I would be playing against them for Burnley seven days after I wouldn't have believed you, but such is life and I really enjoyed it," said Alexander, who admitted it wasn't facing the same set of opponents twice in the space of seven days that he found the most strange.

"I think, in my head, it was more the kit I was wearing to be honest, I was shouting for a white ball when it went out for a throw, and stuff like that.

"Obviously I'll have to get used to that," he continued.

"I've been at Preston for a long time and it's going to take a bit of adjusting but the lads have been fantastic with me since I've come in, the management and staff; I know a few people anyway and it's helped me settle in. I'm really glad I came."

But with refreshing honesty, he revealed the mental torment he suffered as he contemplated leaving North End.

"I don't like to admit it but there were a few tears. It was a massive part of my life," he explained.

"I had a couple of nights with not sleeping and I didn't eat very well.

"But there have been bigger decisions made in the past by people.

"There was a bit of contention between me and the manager. There wasn't a bad situation but I had my opinion and he had his. I had to look after myself for my career and my family and Burnley have given me that opportunity for a little bit of a longer space of time, at least in the Championship, and that's what I was looking for.

"The manager couldn't give me that at Preston and that's how the move came about.

"There are no hard feelings.

"We never had a falling out in the 12 months we worked together. Just that week really, but there was no big fallout, but it doesn't have to be a big fallout to read the script really.

"I didn't like what I thought was going to happen to me, maybe later on in the season or at the end, and I had to act now.

"That's how it came about and I'm just looking forward to putting in some good performances for Burnley now.

"I'm here now and ready to give my full commitment to Burnley."

He added: "It was a big decision for me, but I spoke to the manager and he made it really clear to me that he wanted me and that was a big factor in my decision and hopefully I can go on to prove him right by putting in a performance for him and get the respect of my team-mates and my fans."

And he admitted he was already relishing the first Clarets v North End derby.

"It will be strange when I go back to Deepdale but I'll have bedded in by then. I'm glad it's in a few months time and not next week or something. It's something that a lot of footballers have come across in their time and I'm just going to have to face it.

"My loyalties lie with Burnley now but I've got a lot of friends still at Preston. I'll be looking forward to going back to be honest. I always enjoy the Preston v Burnley games because the competition between the two clubs is massive and I've enjoyed being part of it. I'm just on the other side of the fence now."

For now though, he is concentrating on helping Scotland reach the Euro 2008 championships in Austria and Switzerland, although with France and Italy occupying the two qualifying places in the table, Scotland need to win all of their remaining games and hope their Group B rivals falter. Crucially, Italy host France on the day Scotland entertain Lithuania.

"I love playing for Scotland. It's a fantastic priviledge for me," Alexander said.

"I spoke to the manager about it before I came and he's glad to put someone else on the roster that's an international. It works for both sides.

"I'm really looking forward to the games. We've got two massive games with Lithuania at home and France away. Hopefully I'll be involved and get the results that we need."