Scotland

Edu Impresses Gaffer After Rangers Start

Maurice Edu has won the praise of his manager, Walter Smith, following his strong performance for Rangers on Saturday.

Mar 1, 2009 12:06:48 PM

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Maurice Edu - Rangers (PA)

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Following his start against Hamilton yesterday, U.S. International Maurice Edu was praised by Rangers boss Walter Smith, who said it will take time for the youngster to settle in fully with his new club.

"It was a difficult place to ask him to come in and play, but I thought he did exceptionally well," said Smith of Edu’s performance. "Maurice has to be patient. I have said to him that it can take a period of time to settle in at the Old Firm."

"He was playing college football in America up until a year-and-a-half ago. He had one season in the MLS. He is still young in terms of experience at professional level. I think he can be an exceptional midfield player."

Edu played the entire 90 minutes in central midfield on Saturday, and nearly got an assist in the process after he sent a lovely late-game cross into the middle, which almost was volleyed into the net. He was paired with Barry Ferguson for the duration of the match, and the pair seemed comfortable playing with each other.

The 22-year-old joined Rangers back in August for a fee of £2.6 million and has made three appearances for the club since that time. He came to the Scottish big boys from Toronto FC, where he made 38 appearances for the MLS club, winning the 2007 Rookie of the Year in the process.

A native of Fontana, California, Edu was a three-year player at the University of Maryland, Edu has been capped 11 times by the senior U.S. Men’s team.

Shane Evans, Goal.com

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