Switch To Gers Will Edu For Me

Aug 24 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

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RANGERS new boy Maurice Edu reckons Glasgow feels like home already and he can't wait to get started in the SPL.

The American midfielder - who joined Gers for £2.5million last week from the MLS - was granted a work permit on Friday.

He could make his debut at Parkhead on Sunday in the heat of an Old Firm battle - and Edu insists he's ready for a baptism of fire.

After receiving a terrific welcome from the fans before last weekend's win over Hearts, the 22-year-old is sure he has made the right move.

Edu said: "Even atGlasgow Airport everyone knew who I was. I got in a cab and the driver kept asking me: 'Have you signed yet?'

"You just don't see that at other clubs and it opened my eyes to what I should expect.

"When I got out of the car before the Hearts game the fans went crazy.

"They were shouting and applauding and I was like: 'Wow'. They were really welcoming and I thought: 'This could be home.'

"To have everybody staring at me in the stand and taking pictures was amazing."

Edu will go straight into Smith's squad once he has secured a visa this week.

And the rough and tumble of the SPL doesn't scare the former Toronto FC man.

He said: "My style of play will suit the SPL and I'll need to get stuck into tackles.

"Whether it's being a hard man or getting the ball and creating I'm confident I can fit in here."

Meanwhile, former Gers stopper Karl Svenssonwill tell fellow Swede Mattias Bjarsmyr to go and make a name for himself at Ibrox.

IFK Gothenburg defender Bjarsmyr, 22, insists he is the latest target for Rangers.

And Svensson, now at French side Caen, said: "It didn't work out as I would have liked in Scotland but I wouldn't put Mattias off if he asked for advice.

"If Walter Smith buys him he will get a very good player."

Bjarsmyr, who is valued at £2million, said: "I received a call from someone telling me about Rangers' interest but I referred him to my agent Martin Dahlin."

However, Dahlin has refused to comment on any contact from Ibrox.