The Burnley defender, who also plays for the Scottish national team, admitted speeding at not less than 101mph, when he appeared at Penrith Magistrates' Court today.

He was fined £500, ordered to pay £150 in costs and a £15 victim surcharge, however, despite considering a driving ban because of the speed, magistrates imposed just six penalty points, after hearing of his family commitments.

They heard that Alexander, who lives in Cottam, Preston, with his wife, twin girls and son, regularly takes his children to and from school, and they would miss out on sporting activities such as gymnastics and football - his son being a budding young footballer himself - if their father was banned.

Alexander was born in Coventry, but his father is Scottish and mother Irish, meaning he had a choice of national teams for which he could play.

At 36, he already has a UEFA A coaching licence and is preparing to undertake part B. Alexander began his footballing career as a youth player at Scunthorpe United, where he signed as a professional, before moving to Luton Town for four years. He spent eight years at Preston North End, before moving to Burnley last year.