Edu set for Old Firm debut - if he gets to Glasgow in time

MAURICE Edu is set for a daunting debut for Rangers after manager Walter Smith confirmed he is likely to make his debut in this weekend's Old Firm derby.

The United States international, 22, sealed a £2.6million move to the Ibrox club after being granted a work permit last week.

He was then in the process of trying to secure a working visa from the UK Embassy in Toronto after the relevant paperwork on his work permit arrived from the UK.

Smith is hoping Edu will arrive back in Glasgow and report for training at Murray Park tomorrow or Thursday ahead of Sunday's clash with Celtic.

"We have to wait and see if we get him over on time," said the Rangers boss.

"The good thing is that he has been playing regularly and travelling around the world regularly with the US national team.

"When I first met him, he came across as one of these boys who would not be fazed by a great deal.

"He seems quite a confident lad. If we can get him over in good time then I have no doubt that he would be involved on Sunday at some stage."

Rangers could also be boosted by the return of Kyle Lafferty, who is winning his fitness battle after being sidelined with a hamstring injury.

"I think he will be fit," Smith told the club's official website, www.rangers.co.uk.

"He only just missed out on being involved at Aberdeen so after a few days on the training ground we would be hopeful of having him for this weekend."