Edu asks Smith for Old Firm debut

Mo Edu trained with Rangers on Friday morning

American midfielder Mo Edu has asked Walter Smith to give him his Rangers debut in Sunday's Old Firm encounter.

The player's arrival in Glasgow was delayed as a result of the collapse of insolvent airline Zoom, in addition to problems with a travel visa.

Rangers manager Walter Smith says Edu will be considered for Sunday's squad after a training session on Saturday.

"We'll see how he is, but I think it would be asking a lot to be involved in a game of such importance," said Smith.

The 22-year-old midfielder played for the United States at the Olympics in Beijing and will cost Rangers £2.6m after agreeing a five-year contract.

"You're always aware when you try to take a player from America that there's issues with work permits and visas, but we're delighted now that we've got him over," said Smith.

It's maybe a bit soon, considering we have a game on Sunday, but hopefully once he settles in, he can show he can make an impact for us Walter Smith

"It's maybe a bit soon, considering we have a game on Sunday, but hopefully, once he settles in, he can show he can make an impact for us.

"He's a good player in an area of the field we were hoping to improve and hopefully, once we have everyone integrated, we'll see some benefits from it."

Smith also said Edu would probably be the last signing at Ibrox in the summer transfer market before the deadline closes on Monday at midnight.

Edu spent part of the week in Canada arranging a visa following a successful application for a work permit and has taken part in a light training session after arriving in Scotland on Friday morning to meet Smith and his new team-mates.

The midfielder said: "There was a problem with the flight company and there were a couple of flight changes but it was nothing too serious.

"I'm excited to be here. It's what I've been waiting for over the last few weeks. Now that everything is finalised, I'm happy."

When asked about Sunday's Old Firm encounter, Edu said he was fit and ready and was keen to be involved in the match.

"I've seen a couple of games and I spoke to Maurice Johnston a little bit about it and he explained how great a game it is, how competitive it is and how big the rivalry is," he said.

"His advice was just to be prepared, go out there and play my game and to enjoy the atmosphere and the experience.

"I don't know what's been finalised yet, but hopefully I will be in the squad and play a part in the game."