IRON manager Alan Knill has paid tribute to former team-mate Graham Alexander after the Burnley midfielder became only the second outfield player to pass the 1,000 game mark last weekend.

Alexander, who played alongside the current Scunthorpe boss in the United back four during the early 1990s, reached the milestone last weekend, coming off the bench late on during his side's 2-1 win over Swansea City.

Plenty of the game's big names have paid tribute to the 39-year-old's professionalism and work ethic, which has earned him a 20-year playing career.

And Knill believes Alexander has matured into a great person from the 'hot-headed' youngster he knew at Glanford Park.

"When I first arrived at Scunthorpe, I could see Graham was really talented – and really hot-headed as well," said Knill.

"On the training ground you could see his ability, knocking the ball around with both left foot and right.

"He was playing at right back, trying to work out whether he should be playing as a central midfielder.

"As years have gone on, he has developed into a holding central midfield player.

"He has done really well, well done to him, he has had an unbelievable career by making himself into a top player and a model professional.

"I have to say, I am surprised that he has had such a long career.

"But all of a sudden he has gone somewhere and it has really clicked for him.

"He has matured and realised if he wanted to play football for as long as he possibly could, he had to change the way he was.

"To do that he has learned how to look after his body.

"I know he is a big believer in stats and I think that tool has helped him have a long career.

"Like Efe Sodje, who I had at Bury, he's a fantastic athlete.

"Every time he goes onto the pitch he wants to win – and that is what it is all about."

To read an exlcusive interview with Graham Alexander, on the role Scunthorpe United have played in his personal milestone, see Wednesday's Scunthorpe Telegraph.